Pope Leo XIV Addresses Migration Crisis in Canary Islands

During his week-long visit to Spain, Pope Leo XIV addressed the issue of migration at a reception center in Tenerife, Canary Islands, where he highlighted the plight of irregular migrants. On Friday, he emphasized that "all of us are migrants," calling for collective action to assist those fleeing poverty and conflict.

The Pope condemned the indifference towards migrants and honored the thousands who have died attempting to reach Europe, casting a wreath into the sea at the port of Arguineguin. He noted that nearly 1,200 people went missing while traveling from Africa to the Canary Islands last year, making it one of the deadliest migration routes to Europe.

The Pope's visit included a public mass attended by thousands and a message against human trafficking, particularly concerning women and children. He is scheduled to return to Rome after his visit, which also included stops in Madrid and Barcelona.