What was initially planned as a three-hour visit to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, was unexpectedly extended by two hours due to a mechanical failure on the Iberia flight scheduled to take Pope Leo XIV back to Rome. Before this unforeseen event, several individuals had the chance to share moments with the pontiff in the Plaza del Cristo de La Laguna.
The meeting focused on the island's migratory reality, bringing together migrants and representatives from organizations providing them with care and support. María, an educator at one of these entities, expressed her excitement about the visit, hoping the Pope would help change perceptions of migrants and encourage more humanitarian and financial aid to support their life projects on the island.
Alongside María were Najda, of Moroccan descent, and Lassana, from Senegal. Najda emphasized the significance of the visit to a place like Tenerife, hoping it would raise awareness about migrants seeking opportunities. The pontiff's visit, the final stop of his apostolic journey to Spain, aimed to gather the experiences of those who sought a better future away from their home countries.
Other attendees, such as Venezuelan migrants Dennys Padrón and Alba Castellanos, shared the emotion of being close to the pontiff, expressing their hope that his words would "open people's hearts." The Plaza del Cristo displayed flags from Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela, reflecting the diversity of the community present.
Young Senegalese men like Ausou Sonko, Mbaye Kdiaye, and Khadim Mbengue, who arrived on El Hierro two years ago by cayuco and now live in Tenerife with the support of the El Buen Samaritano Foundation, also shared their experiences. Mbacke, another young Senegalese who arrived in 2024, spoke at the event to convey a message of global unity, stating that "this world is for everyone."
Finally, Pope Leo XIV arrived at the Plaza del Cristo around 11:00 AM, greeted with cheers. During the event, migrants shared their personal stories with the pontiff. The farewell was marked by the song 'Esta es mi tierra,' leaving lasting memories for those in attendance.
