Pope Calls for Integration Reform During Canary Islands Visit

Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit to San Cristóbal de La Laguna has brought international attention to the migration crisis in the Canary Islands. During his visit on Friday, June 12, the Pope used the city’s open, unfortified layout as a metaphor, calling for a fundamental change in how we welcome migrants.

Speaking to a crowd of nearly 2,500 people in the Plaza del Cristo, the Pope criticized the way migrants are often reduced to mere statistics. He condemned human trafficking networks and warned that without proper support, migrants risk being trapped in urban ghettos where they are vulnerable to exploitation.

The event included personal stories from four individuals—Darwin Rivas, Mbacke Ndiaye, Khalid Allad, and Thalia Johana—who shared their experiences directly with the Pope. This approach reflects a new strategy led by Bishop Eloy Santiago and the local diocese: moving beyond simple charity toward active integration. The goal is to provide migrants with the language and job skills they need to become independent, contributing members of the community.

The Pope emphasized that the biggest barrier to integration is not physical, but a matter of attitude. He reminded the audience that true integration does not require people to abandon their own culture, but rather to participate fully in the life of their new home.

The visit concluded with a walk along Viana Street, where the Pope met with elderly residents and those facing social exclusion. The event highlighted the immense pressure on the Canary Islands as Europe’s southern border. Church leaders stressed that addressing this challenge requires a long-term commitment that goes far beyond simply managing arrivals at the coast, aiming instead to build a society where everyone can live together.