Canary Islands Declare Pre-Alert Ahead of Papal Visit

The Canary Islands Government’s General Directorate of Emergencies has officially declared a pre-alert phase ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to the archipelago. This measure, which begins this Monday at 12:00 p.m., is part of the regional Civil Protection plan (Plateca) and aims to coordinate safety measures for the events scheduled for June 11 and 12.

This protocol is designed to manage the logistics of such a large-scale event, with a focus on public safety, traffic, and healthcare. As the Pope’s arrival nears, the alert level is expected to rise, and the Plateca Advisory Committee will increase its meetings to finalize security arrangements.

The main event, a Eucharist, will take place at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Organizers are preparing for over 12,500 registered attendees and are arranging for 20,000 seats, with the possibility of adding more if needed. A massive volunteer effort is also underway, with over 1,800 volunteers already signed up across the islands to assist with crowd control and public support.

While the full schedule is still being finalized, organizers have confirmed that all events are free to attend. However, attendees must register in advance through the official website to help manage capacity. In addition to the religious services, the program will feature performances by local artists, including Chago Melián. The activation of these emergency protocols highlights the complex coordination required between public authorities to ensure the event runs smoothly.