Pope to visit Canary Islands and highlight migrant sea crossings
Pope Leo will travel to Spain's Canary Islands starting Thursday to draw attention to deaths during Atlantic migrant journeys. He plans to call for expanded legal routes and a respectful reception for those who arrive. The visit comes as a new EU border pact takes effect.
rte.ieDuring the trip he will drop flowers into the water in memory of those lost and appeal for safe legal pathways to Europe. The islands have become a main arrival point for small boats carrying migrants from countries including Gambia and Ivory Coast. One traveler who reached Tenerife late last year described seven days at sea with dwindling supplies before rescue off El Hierro.
Local programs and policy changes A parish priest on Tenerife has created workshops and housing for roughly 170 young men who age out of state care at 18. Several dozen companies, including hotel groups and a car-repair firm in Las Palmas, have hired participants after they obtain work permits.
Spain's government is allowing migrants who arrived before December 2024 to apply for residency and work authorization. Opposition parties have criticized the measure as contrary to EU policy.
New EU rules A revised EU migration pact begins this week and aims to speed detention and deportation of recent arrivals. Officials on the islands have stated that local industries lack workers for hotels, construction, and transport. Human rights groups have expressed concern that the new rules could limit asylum claims.
The Pope's schedule also includes meetings with migrants who have settled on the islands.
