Pope confirms visit to the Canary Islands with large open-air mass in Tenerife
Pope Leo XIV will conclude his official visit to Spain with a major open-air Mass in Tenerife, with the island confirmed as the final stop on 12th June after visiting Gran Canaria.
Details of the trip were outlined by communication coordinators during a media briefing at the headquarters of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, although the Vatican has yet to release the full official programme.
Madrid to host Corpus Christi Mass
The visit is scheduled to run from 6th to 12th June, beginning in Madrid. One of the key highlights will be a large-scale Corpus Christi Mass on Sunday 7th June.
In a break from tradition, the Pope will not celebrate Corpus Christi in Rome on Thursday 4th June. Instead, the main celebration will be moved to Madrid, where thousands are expected to attend.
Final Mass in Tenerife
The trip will conclude on 12th June with a second “massive” Eucharistic celebration at the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
This closing event is likely to attract large crowds from across the archipelago and is being described locally as a landmark moment for the Canary Islands.
Stops in Barcelona and Gran Canaria
On 9th and 10th June, the Pope will travel to Barcelona. His programme there is expected to include visits to the Sagrada Familia and the Montserrat Abbey.
These events coincide with commemorations linked to architect Antoni Gaudí and the ongoing development of the basilica.
After Barcelona, the Pope will fly to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on 11th June before travelling on to Tenerife the following day. There is also a possibility of a brief visit to El Hierro, although this has not been confirmed.
Additional events and meetings
Alongside the large public Masses, organisers say the visit will include:
- Religious vigils and gatherings, potentially in major sports venues.
- Private meetings with Spanish authorities.
- A joint parliamentary session at the Spanish Congress.
Further details, including venues and timings, are expected to be confirmed by the Vatican in the coming weeks, ahead of what is shaping up to be one of the most significant religious visits to Spain in recent years.
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