Canary Islands Culinary Talent to Showcase Local Gastronomy During Papal Visit

Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to the Canary Islands on June 11 and 12 is set to be more than just a religious event; it will also serve as a showcase for the region’s identity. Bishop José Mazuelos has confirmed that students from the Canary Islands Hotel Schools (Hecansa) will manage the catering for the trip, a move designed to highlight the islands' educational talent on a global stage.

The menus for the Pope’s stops in Gran Canaria and Tenerife will feature a variety of local products. The wine selection focuses on Lanzarote labels, specifically the 2022 Reserva de Familia from Bodegas El Grifo, known for its volcanic Malvasia. The meals will also feature traditional cheeses from Fuerteventura and Santa María de Guía.

The dining schedule is structured to reflect the islands' Atlantic roots: lunches will feature meat-based dishes, while dinners will highlight local seafood. Dessert will include artisanal pastries from Moya and Tejeda, along with chocolate, which the Pope is known to enjoy. Bishop Mazuelos noted that the Vatican has not imposed any specific dietary restrictions, as the Pope prefers to experience the local culinary customs of the places he visits.

This gastronomic effort is part of a busy institutional and pastoral schedule. The trip concludes on June 12 in Tenerife, where the Pope will visit the Las Raíces reception center and lead several public services. By choosing Hecansa to handle the catering, organizers hope to promote the islands' culture and economy during this historic first-ever papal visit to the region.