Preparations for Pope Leo XIV's arrival in the Canary Islands next June are rapidly advancing. The Diocese of Tenerife has inaugurated an information office in La Laguna. This space will centralize the event's organization and serve as a point of contact for both faithful and volunteers.

The bishop of the Diocese of Tenerife, Eloy Santiago, along with the national coordinator for the visit, Yago de la Cierva, presented the progress of what they describe as a “historic” event of “great technical and human complexity.” The new headquarters, located in the emblematic Casa Mesa in La Laguna, on Obispo Rey Redondo Street, aims to bring the event closer to the public and facilitate participation.

Although the definitive agenda is still awaiting official confirmation from the Holy See, the local organization is already working on key proposals. Pope Leo XIV is expected to meet with migrants and social entities in La Laguna and preside over a large farewell mass at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Despite the visit being “reduced and limited” in duration, Bishop Eloy Santiago assured it would be “very intense” due to the “great enthusiasm and expectation” it has generated.

One of the main challenges is the mobilization of volunteers. Yago de la Cierva emphasized their importance, not only for the workload involved but also for the “distinct tone” they bring. Approximately 1,500 volunteers are needed in Tenerife; nearly 1,000 have already registered online, and the new office will facilitate additional registrations. De la Cierva highlighted that volunteers are “the face of the visit,” while Bishop Santiago added that “many people are needed to collaborate, not only in the events but also now in the preparation.”

The visit to the Canary Islands has a strong social focus, centered on the phenomenon of immigration. Yago de la Cierva explained that this was the original reason that prompted Pope Francis to wish to visit the islands, a legacy that Leo XIV is now continuing. The coordinator expects to have the full agenda in “less than a week.”

The motto of the trip, “Lift up your gaze,” taken from the Gospel, is a “very beautiful message of hope” that encourages overcoming difficulties. De la Cierva also noted that the Pope “wants to prepare very well” for the trip, which will not be limited to the migratory issue, and has requested dossiers on the situation of each city. “We know he comes to listen, meaning he doesn't just arrive, deliver his speech, and leave, but he wants to talk and listen to many people,” he stated.

Both organizers underscored the “impact” the visit will have. Tenerife, which will be the “grand finale” of the trip to Spain, will serve as a platform to “send messages to the rest of Spain, but also to Europe” in a global context of a “world at war.” Despite the uncertainty, the bishop concluded that “we are all very excited, very encouraged.”