Historic First Papal Visit Confirmed for the Canaries
The long-held wish expressed on several occasions by Pope Francis is finally taking shape. Pope Leo XIV will visit the Canary Islands on his upcoming trip to Spain, fulfilling the desire publicly stated by his predecessor. The former pontiff also conveyed his intention to travel to the archipelago during institutional meetings, such as one held in 2023 with the Canary Islands President, Fernando Clavijo.
A Decision Backed by Pope Francis’s Wish
“Pope Leo XIV has wanted, with this visit, to support the decision of Pope Francis, who on several occasions expressed his desire to visit the Archipelago,” stated the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, Monsignor Cristóbal Déniz Hernández, this morning after learning the news. The bishop appeared alongside Jorge Martín de La Cova, the chancellor secretary, to explain the visit’s importance and give the first outlines of what will be a “historic journey” for the region.
A Gift for Believers and Non-Believers Alike
Déniz described the announcement as a “gift from God” that arrives with “gratitude, emotion, and a spirit of communion.” He stressed that the Pope’s presence will be a visible sign of closeness for believers and non-believers alike. “It sheds light on the Canary Islands and its various realities, including its problems,” he noted, highlighting that the visit puts the Archipelago on the global map in light of its unique character.
Focus on Social Realities and Migration
The Church in the Canaries also underlined the social value of the trip. Déniz pointed out that the Pope will come to a territory that “knows well the harshness of poverty” and has shown “generosity and solidarity in the face of the drama of immigration.” In this context, he recalled that “the Canary Islands are a border, but above all a place of respectful welcome,” and expressed confidence that the pontiff would know how to “illuminate this reality with a word of hope, justice, and fraternity.”
An Unprecedented Moment in Island History
The auxiliary bishop framed the visit within a historical dimension that, this time, will be unprecedented. Leo XIV will be the first Pope ever to set foot on the Islands. “It will be a moment for the history of the Archipelago and will be remembered,” he affirmed, recalling that the Christian tradition in the Canaries is documented from 1351, with the first bishopric in Telde, and subsequent missions in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Itinerary and Timing Still in Planning Stages
Regarding the itinerary, the Diocese and the Holy See are still working on an initial draft. The only confirmed stops in Spain, for now, are Barcelona, Madrid, and the Canary Islands. There are no official dates, though it is being considered that it could take place at the beginning of summer. “There are numerous speculations, but I prefer to stick to the official publications when they are made,” insisted Déniz. He also could not confirm whether the Pope will visit migrant centres, though he acknowledged that “it would be an element to consider.”
A Brief Visit with a Profound Social Message
Concerning the funding of the trip, he indicated that the effort would be shared between the Holy See, the Spanish Episcopal Conference, and, presumably, the Canary Islands Church itself. The visit, according to timelines used in other countries, will be brief. “Let’s not think in terms of a week; it could be a day or two,” he clarified. The message that Leo could bring, he advanced, will have a social and human emphasis. A word linked “to peace, fraternity, justice, and care for vulnerable people, wherever they are and wherever they come from.” Also, he said, directed towards the Archipelago’s own vulnerabilities.
Spiritual Preparation Begins
The Diocese announced that spiritual preparation begins today and extended the call to all. “We invite institutions, Christian communities, and society in general to experience this as an opportunity for encounter, inner renewal, and hope,” concluded the auxiliary bishop.
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