The meeting of Pope Leo XIV at the Arguineguín dock became an emotional moment where the stories of migrants and volunteers intertwined with words of faith and hope. The Pontiff heard firsthand the experiences of those seeking a better future and those dedicating their work to helping them, in a context marked by the migration crisis.

Among the testimonies shared, that of Soda Nesse stood out, who recounted the painful journey of a young Nigerian woman, a victim of human trafficking. Despite adversities, including violence and family separation, the Church has been a pillar for her recovery, instilling hope and self-confidence. Soda expressed sadness knowing that many women still suffer similar situations but reaffirmed the need to continue fighting against trafficking.

The Pope, upon hearing these accounts, offered his blessing and words of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of faith and the fight for a more just world. "He told me we have to have faith, we have to fight," shared Soda, visibly moved by the encounter.

Eduardo Balsa and Mayra Santana, a Cuban couple who arrived on the island in 2021, also shared their experience. Selected for the event, Eduardo had the opportunity for a close encounter with the Pontiff. At 76 years old, Eduardo recounted the warmth with which they were welcomed on the island and the deep emotion of being in the presence of the Pope, who showed interest in their lives and reasons for migrating.

The Pope gifted them a keychain with his image, a present that Eduardo will cherish for his descendants. The message shared by migrants and volunteers resonated strongly: hope based on equality, welcome, and accompanying each person as a valuable story.

Volunteers from Cáritas, such as María José Báez and Reyes López, recalled the harsh reality of those who passed through the dock, often with limited resources, offering what little they had: cookies, milk, and attention. They highlighted how this experience transformed their understanding of hope, realizing that each person arriving is not a problem to be solved, but a story to embrace.

María Fernanda López, a Colombian entrepreneur, also shared her story of overcoming challenges, receiving words of patience, faith, and the will to keep going from the Pope. Pope Leo XIV's visit to the Arguineguín dock solidified as a symbol of hope and a call to action to address the migration crisis with dignity and humanity.