Pope Leo visited the Canary Islands on June 12, 2026, to highlight the perilous journeys of migrants crossing the Atlantic from West Africa. The trip focused on the increasing number of deaths along this route, which has seen a surge in arrivals to the Spanish archipelago.
During his visit, the Pope met with local authorities and migrant support groups. He called for greater international cooperation to address the root causes of migration and to prevent further loss of life at sea. The Canary Islands have become a key entry point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
According to data from the Spanish government, arrivals to the Canary Islands in 2025 exceeded 40,000, a significant increase from previous years. The Pope's visit aimed to draw global attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Atlantic.
