Pope Visits Canary Islands to Meet Migrants and Call for Humanitarian Action
The Pope will depart from Barcelona on Thursday, arriving in the Canary Islands around 10:50 a.m. (0950 GMT) to engage with approximately one thousand people who have braved perilous Atlantic waters in search of safety.
- Audience & Activities
- Speaking with migrant support groups on Gran Canaria.
Laying flowers at a memorial honoring those who lost their lives at sea.
Tragic Statistics
According to the NGO Caminando Fronteras, over 3,000 people died attempting to reach the islands in 2025.
Papal Message
In a recent address to the Spanish parliament, the Pope warned that inadequate assistance for global migrants threatens the ethical foundations of international society.Spain’s Migration Context
Spain has adopted a relatively open stance, offering residency to more than half a million undocumented residents.
However, far‑right leaders criticize this approach and highlight the slow processing of legal status for many in limbo.
