Pope to Make Historic First Visit to Tenerife on June 12

Pope Leo XIV is set to visit Tenerife on June 12, marking a historic first for the Canary Islands. Bishop Eloy Santiago has described the visit as an event of international importance, noting that the Pope’s presence will promote a message of harmony and dialogue across the islands.

The centerpiece of the visit will be a large-scale Mass in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Organizing such a significant gathering is a major challenge, and Bishop Santiago emphasized that its success will rely heavily on the support of volunteers and the local community. This event comes at a busy time for the Bishop, who will celebrate his first anniversary leading the diocese on May 1. Over the past year, he has overseen major religious traditions, including the pilgrimages of the Virgin of Candelaria, the Virgin of the Snows, and the Virgin of the Kings, while also managing the transition following the passing of his predecessor, Bernardo Álvarez Afonso.

Beyond the official schedule, Bishop Santiago hopes to showcase the unique culture and landscapes of the western islands. He has expressed a desire for the Pope to visit iconic locations such as Mount Teide and Candelaria, as well as various towns across Tenerife, La Palma, and La Gomera, which he believes are essential to understanding the region’s identity.

For the local church, this visit is about more than just protocol. It is an opportunity to recognize the community’s efforts, celebrate the Pope’s arrival, and use prayer as a way to bring people together. After a year of intense work, Bishop Santiago sees this visit as a way to strengthen the islands' social and religious bonds, while hoping it might pave the way for future, more relaxed visits to the many towns within his diocese.