Record Volunteer Turnout Ahead of Pope’s Historic Tenerife Visit

Excitement is building for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Tenerife on June 12, sparking a level of public involvement rarely seen on the islands. Organizers have been overwhelmed by the response, with over 1,100 volunteers already signed up—far exceeding initial expectations.

Led by Pedro López, the recruitment drive has been remarkably fast, adding more than 600 volunteers in just ten days. The team is now well on its way to reaching its goal of 1,500 helpers. This turnout is significantly higher than recent major local events, doubling the participation seen during the recent pilgrimage of the Virgin of Candelaria to Santa Cruz and La Laguna, and tripling the number of people who helped during the image’s transfer last October.

This success builds on the logistical experience gained from recent religious celebrations. The upcoming event holds special significance, as the main altar at the port of Santa Cruz will bring together the Virgin of Candelaria and the Christ of La Laguna—two of the region’s most cherished religious icons—under the Pope’s leadership.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, and the only requirement is a willingness to help with tasks ranging from logistics to assisting the public. Casa Mesa has become a busy information hub, seeing about 100 people a day. Similar efforts are underway at local parishes and associations, where people are already organizing travel from other islands, leading to high demand for transport.

For the organizers, this visit is more than just a logistical challenge; it is a historic moment. As the final stop on the Pope’s tour of Spain, the event is seen as a unique milestone. For the volunteers, their contribution is about more than just completing tasks—it is a way to be part of a historic collective memory, marking the first time a pontiff has visited the island.