La Laguna to Build Monument Commemorating Pope’s Visit and Humanitarian Message
The La Laguna City Council has announced plans to erect a commemorative monument honoring Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit and his humanitarian message regarding migrant integration and social solidarity.
Following Pope Leo XIV’s visit to La Laguna on June 12, the City Council has announced plans to build a commemorative monument. More than just marking an anniversary, the project aims to honor the humanitarian message the Pope shared during his time in the city.
Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez confirmed that officials are currently deciding on the design of the sculpture and its ideal location within the historic center. The goal is to create a lasting reminder of the Pope’s reflections at sites like the Las Raíces Center and the Plaza del Cristo, where he spoke about overcoming prejudice, supporting migrant integration, and recognizing the work of social organizations.
The City Council hopes this monument will reflect the Pope’s description of La Laguna as a city "without walls," encouraging residents to combat social indifference. Once completed, the statue will join other historical figures honored in the city, such as Father Anchieta and Pedro González.
This project follows the precedent set in 2012, when a bronze sculpture of John Paul II was installed near the Church of the Conception. With this new initiative, the local government aims to celebrate the Pope’s visit while fostering a deeper public conversation about human dignity and the challenges surrounding migration.