Just weeks before Pope Leo XIV's arrival in Spain, the event organizers have unveiled the official motto, “Look Up,” which encapsulates the magnitude of an event that will involve the installation of over 50 giant screens, the distribution of 8,000 communion cups, the participation of 6,000 healthcare professionals, and the collaboration of more than 5,000 volunteers nationwide. The bishop of the Nivariense diocese, Eloy Alberto Santiago, has expressed the enthusiasm of the Canarian people for what he considers a historic event.
In Tenerife, preparations are in full swing. The organization has launched a call to recruit 1,500 volunteers, whose work will be crucial for the success of the visit. Gladys Rodríguez, logistics manager for the organizing committee, has announced that registrations are now open on the official website conelpapa.es. Additionally, a volunteer service office will open this Friday at Casa Mesa, on Carrera de La Laguna street, to streamline the registration process.
“"We call on all those who are willing to collaborate, to sign up."
Volunteers will undertake various responsibilities, from supporting healthcare and communication to assisting attendees. Rodríguez described the operation as “a mechanism of many people and many situations” where everything must be “well-tied,” to ensure that all events proceed smoothly during the two days of the papal visit to the islands.
Despite media speculation, the organization emphasizes that the official program is not yet finalized. “Until the official agenda is communicated to us by the Holy See, we cannot make any announcements,” stated Gladys Rodríguez. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the central event on the island will be a massive farewell and thanksgiving mass, which, barring changes, will take place in the port of Santa Cruz.
To attend this grand celebration, prior registration will be essential through the same official website, conelpapa.es. Although this option is not yet enabled, individual, family, or group registration modalities will be available. The organization advises parishes, schools, and movements to register as a group to facilitate management but requests that duplicate registrations be avoided.
“"Let's go to the official source, that is, let's go to that page, to the bishop's page, and not to the journalistic part."
The logistics manager stressed the importance of consulting only official sources to avoid confusion. Rodríguez urged the faithful to stay updated on information published on the website regarding the Pope's visit to Canarias, prioritizing official information over journalistic reports.
