Papal Visit to Canary Islands Confirmed Before June 15

Pope Francis is set to visit Tenerife and Gran Canaria before June 15. The Diocese of Tenerife has confirmed that these islands are part of his upcoming trip across Spain. Cardinal José Cobo, speaking from Rome, stated that Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands were initially suggested as the main stops in a plan given to the Vatican.

Cardinal Cobo attended this meeting on January 9 with other key figures: Luis Argüello, who leads the Spanish Episcopal Conference; Juan José Omella, the Archbishop of Barcelona; and José Mazuelos Pérez, the Bishop of the Canary Islands. They discussed the potential papal visit, which Pope Francis will now need to review personally.

Cobo told reporters, "Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands are the three places we've put forward. This is just an early plan that needs to go to the Holy Father so he can make any changes he thinks are necessary."

This meeting with the Vatican happened the day after the Church and the Spanish Government signed an agreement. This deal aims to provide support and compensation to victims of sexual abuse within the Church. It includes setting up a special channel through the Ombudsman to help victims whose cases cannot be solved in court.

Fernando Clavijo, the President of the Canary Islands Government, shared his "tremendous gratitude" for the news that Pope Francis will visit the islands. This would mark the first time a Pope has ever traveled to the Archipelago. Clavijo praised the local bishops, saying, "Our bishops have worked very hard, and I want to thank them for their efforts." He also remembered his initial discussions with Pope Francis over two years ago about the ongoing migration crisis.

Clavijo added that the Canary Islands government is ready to work with the Vatican and the Spanish government to organize the visit. He also thanked the people of the Canary Islands and the media for their "crucial" support in keeping attention on those "fleeing hunger and death," while also respecting the local population. "This is a success for everyone," the Canarian president concluded.