Pope to Bless Cross Made from Migrant Boats During Tenerife Visit
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Tenerife will feature a symbolic cross crafted from migrant boat wreckage to highlight the humanitarian crisis along the Atlantic migration route.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Tenerife this Friday is more than just a formal occasion; it is a powerful act of collective memory. As reported by El Día, the main event at the Plaza del Cristo in La Laguna will feature a cross with deep symbolic meaning, crafted entirely from the remains of migrant boats that arrived on the shores of Los Cristianos and La Restinga.
More than a ceremonial object, the cross serves as a physical reminder of the humanitarian crisis along the Atlantic migration route. The project was led by the Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna to turn remnants of these dangerous journeys into a symbol of social awareness. Artisans Miguel Hernández González and his son built the cross using original wood from the cayucos, intentionally leaving the signs of wear and tear visible to honor the history of the vessels.
Before reaching the Pope, the cross traveled through various communities. Notably, it was carried by members of the Muslim faith during the 2025 Holy Week Stations of the Cross, highlighting the universal nature of suffering at sea. The difficult construction process—due to the hardness of the wood and the presence of original metal parts—serves as a testament to the precarious conditions faced by those attempting to reach Europe.
The initiative has gained recognition beyond the Canary Islands. The same materials were used to create a pectoral cross for Bishop Xabier Gómez of Sant Feliu de Llobregat, gifted by the Diocese of Tenerife in 2024 for his work with migrants. The Bishop recently wore this cross during the Pope’s visit to Barcelona, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to addressing the reality of borders.
As the Pope meets with migrants and aid workers, the presence of the cross in La Laguna emphasizes the diocese’s goal of keeping the migration crisis at the forefront of public debate. For the craftsman, Miguel Hernández, the day will be particularly meaningful: he will serve as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion at the Eucharist in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, marking a personal conclusion to his work on this project of remembrance.