The Pope has confirmed that he is contemplating a visit to the Canary Islands due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by rising migration flows to the region. The pope, who would be the first pontiff to set foot in the archipelago, expressed his desire to show solidarity with both the local people and authorities during a press conference held aboard his plane, returning from a tour of Asia and Oceania.
“I am thinking about going to the Canary Islands because of the situation with migrants arriving from the sea, and I want to be close to both the people and the governors of the Canary Islands,” said Pope Francis when asked about a potential visit.
If the trip proceeds, it would also mark Pope Francis’ first visit to Spain. The news of his possible visit was welcomed by Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo, who emphasised the importance of such a visit to highlight the humanitarian challenges faced by the region.
“Pope Francis’ visit would bring attention to the humanitarian crisis in the Canary Islands and showcase the solidarity of its people. It would also help raise awareness of the international migration challenge and Africa’s role in it,” he said on social media.
There is speculation that the pope’s visit could coincide with his planned trip to Argentina, his homeland, although it seems increasingly likely that the Canary Islands visit might be a standalone trip.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has shown particular concern for migration crises, having previously visited the Italian island of Lampedusa and the Greek island of Lesbos, both significant migrant entry points.
Pope Francis has previously praised the efforts of the Canary Islands in addressing the humanitarian emergency, recognising the "sensitivity and hospitality" demonstrated by the local population.
In a letter to the people of the Canary Islands in November 2023, he commended their compassionate response to the influx of migrants, noting that the archipelago received over 33,000 migrants that year, surpassing previous records.
“The sensitivity and hospitality shown by the people of the Canary Islands is a model of welcoming, protecting, promoting, and integrating the brothers and sisters arriving on their shores in search of a better future,” the pope wrote at the time. He also acknowledged the difficult situation the region faces due to the scale of the crisis.
The Canary Islands have seen a dramatic increase in migrant arrivals in recent months. During July and August of 2024 alone, 6,267 migrants arrived, setting new records compared to the last five years. Up until September of this year, a total of 25,524 people reached the Canary Islands' shores, a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
In January, a delegation led by President Fernando Clavijo visited the Vatican to formally invite Pope Francis to the Canary Islands. Clavijo noted that the pope was well-informed about the migration situation and particularly attentive to the plight of unaccompanied minors.
During their meeting, both the pope and the Canary delegation agreed that Europe and the world need to reflect on their approach to Africa and its migration challenges.
