Pope Francis has confirmed he is considering a visit to the Canary Islands due to the ongoing migration crisis, stating his desire to show “closeness to the rulers and the people” facing this humanitarian challenge. Speaking at a press conference on his flight back from a tour of Asia and Oceania, the Pope expressed his intent to support the islands dealing with large numbers of migrants arriving by sea.
“I am thinking about going to the Canary Islands because of the situation with the migrants arriving from the sea, and I want to be close to the government and the people,” Pope Francis said when asked about the potential visit. If the trip materialises, he would be the first pontiff to set foot on the archipelago and it would also mark his inaugural visit to Spain.
Following this announcement, Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands Government, highlighted on social media that such a visit would “put a face to the humanitarian drama in the Canary Islands and highlight the solidarity of its people.” He stressed that this gesture could draw global attention to the challenges posed by migration from Africa.
There is speculation that the Pope’s visit to the Canary Islands might coincide with a trip to Argentina, his home country. However, it now appears more likely that the visit to the islands would be a standalone journey.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has focused on migration issues, having previously visited Lampedusa in Italy and Lesbos in Greece to show solidarity with migrants. In the past, he has also praised the people of the Canary Islands for their “sensitivity and hospitality” in welcoming migrants arriving by sea, often in small, precarious boats.
In a letter to the faithful in the Canary Islands in November 2023, the Pope acknowledged the “difficult situation” faced by the islands, which saw the arrival of over 33,000 migrants that year, surpassing the historic peak of 2006. “In the faces of these people, marked by suffering, we can recognise a look that yearns for a future of peace and fraternity,” he wrote.
The potential visit follows an invitation extended by President Clavijo during a January meeting at the Vatican. Accompanied by local bishops, Clavijo emphasised the warmth with which the Canarians would welcome the Pope. During their discussions, they agreed on the need for a broader European and global reflection on Africa and migration.
If realised, the visit would shine a light on the situation in the Canary Islands, where over 25,000 migrants have arrived this year, marking a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
