Pope Francis Reveals Unfulfilled Plan to Visit Canary Islands to Highlight Migration Crisis

Pope Francis has expressed a clear desire to visit the island of El Hierro to draw attention to the ongoing migration crisis in the Canary Islands. During a recent interview with Vida Nueva magazine, the Pope told editor-in-chief Rubén Cruz that he wanted to hold a prayer service at the La Restinga pier, where many migrants arrive on small, dangerous boats, to highlight the human side of this tragedy.

However, the trip proved logistically difficult. The Pope’s aircraft cannot land directly on El Hierro, requiring a stop in Tenerife or Gran Canaria. This would have necessitated a level of official protocol that conflicted with his wish for a simple, private visit. He also considered stopping in the Canary Islands while traveling to his home country, Argentina, but that plan became unfeasible following recent political changes in Buenos Aires.

This revelation highlights the Vatican’s ongoing concern regarding the "Canary route," which has seen a record number of arrivals in recent years. While the Pope’s interest in visiting La Restinga is significant, it is not currently on his schedule for his upcoming trip to León in June. The account, reported by journalist Rubén Cruz, offers a rare look at how the Vatican balances its desire to show solidarity with migrants against the complex practical and political realities of papal travel.