New Book Reveals Genetic Origins of Saint Pedro de Bethencourt on 400th Anniversary

Brother Pedro de Bethencourt, the first saint from the Canary Islands, is back in the spotlight as the region marks the 400th anniversary of his birth. To celebrate, historian and Vilaflor de Chasna chronicler Nelson Díaz Frías is releasing a revised and expanded edition of his book, The Holy Brother Pedro de Bethencourt and his family. The launch event will take place this evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Vilaflor Youth Center, with a presentation by historian Dr. Carmen Rosa Pérez Barrios.

This new edition is more than just a simple update. The author, who also serves as a magistrate in Arona, has included groundbreaking genetic research. By analyzing DNA from Rafael Bethencourt—a direct descendant of Juan Bethencourt Alfonso—the study traces the saint’s paternal lineage. These findings suggest that the saint’s ancestors were primarily from Gran Canaria, offering a new perspective on the traditional history of his roots in the Chasna region.

The book’s release comes as the people of southern Tenerife are pushing for greater recognition of Brother Pedro. There is a growing movement to have his image featured prominently during the Pope’s mass in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on June 12, alongside the Virgin of Candelaria and the Christ of La Laguna. Díaz Frías is a vocal supporter of this campaign, arguing that the saint is a vital part of the region’s cultural identity.

By combining historical records with modern genetic science, this new edition—which replaces a long-out-of-print 2010 version—serves as a definitive resource for understanding the life and legacy of Brother Pedro during this milestone anniversary.