Canary Islands Schools Face Uncertainty Ahead of Pope’s Visit
The Canary Islands' Ministry of Education is weighing potential school closures during Pope Leo XIV's upcoming visit to Gran Canaria and Tenerife due to concerns over traffic disruptions and student safety.
The upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to Gran Canaria and Tenerife on June 11 and 12 has caused uncertainty for the Canary Islands' education system. Local reports indicate that the regional Ministry of Education has not yet decided whether schools will remain open, as they are waiting for final details on the Pope’s schedule and official security requirements.
Poli Suárez, the regional minister, stated on Monday that the government is waiting for official confirmation to understand how the visit will affect traffic and urban mobility. The main concern is that the expected large crowds and road closures in city centers could disrupt the daily operation of schools.
While the ministry has not officially canceled classes or moved to remote learning, they emphasized that the safety of students and staff is their top priority. Officials began coordinating with the event organizers and various government departments today to determine the best course of action.
Families on both islands are now waiting for a final decision. Balancing the needs of public services with the security demands of such a large-scale event remains the ministry's primary challenge as they work toward a resolution later this week.