Pope Leo departed Barcelona Thursday morning bound for the Canary Islands, where he will encounter migrants who made treacherous voyages across Atlantic waters during the concluding portion of his Spanish visit.
The papal visit to the Spanish island chain located off Africa’s western shores represents a key highlight of Leo’s weeklong Spanish journey, during which he has also cautioned that growing global conflicts have created a deep worldwide crisis.
Juan Carlos Lorenzo, coordinator of the Spanish Commission for Refugees in the Canary Islands, described Leo’s upcoming visit as a “significant milestone” when speaking with Reuters. The pope is scheduled to meet approximately 1,000 migrants on Friday.
“It will serve as a strong affirmation of the defense of human rights, respect, and the dignity that all people deserve, regardless of their origin,” Lorenzo stated.
The pope’s aircraft was scheduled to touch down on Gran Canaria, a primary island in the archipelago, at approximately 10:50 a.m. local time. Upon arrival, Leo will gather with various organizations that assist newly arrived migrants before placing flowers at a monument honoring migrants who perished at sea.
According to NGO Caminando Fronteras, more than 3,000 individuals lost their lives in 2025 attempting to reach the Canary Islands.
Leo, who has voiced strong opposition to current global leadership trends in recent months, addressed the Spanish parliament Monday, declaring that insufficient assistance for worldwide migrants was challenging “the ethical foundation of the international order.”
Unlike much of Europe, Spain has embraced a more welcoming approach toward migrants, implementing a program designed to provide residency for over half a million undocumented individuals.
The program has faced opposition from far-right political figures in Spain and throughout Europe, while the nation grapples with delays in processing legal status for thousands awaiting resolution.
