Tenerife Urges Remote Work as Pope’s June Visit Sparks Major Mobility Plan
Authorities in Tenerife are urging schools and public offices to work remotely on June 12 as the island prepares for significant traffic disruptions and security measures during the Pope’s upcoming visit.
The Pope’s upcoming visit to Tenerife on June 12 is set to create the island’s biggest mobility challenge to date. Following a meeting between government officials and security forces this Monday, authorities are strongly recommending that schools and public offices consider working remotely that day. While this is not a mandatory order, security leaders fully support the suggestion given the scale of the event.
A detailed traffic plan is expected by the end of the month. It will include specific restrictions on the Northern Highway (TF-5) during the Pope’s arrival in the early morning and his departure after 2:00 p.m. To keep traffic moving, a dedicated lane will be reserved for emergency vehicles and public transport—a vital measure given that the island’s two main hospitals are located near this busy route. Authorities have also prepared a backup plan in case June fog at Los Rodeos Airport forces the Pope’s flight to divert to Reina Sofía Airport in the south; if this happens, a special ground transport operation will be ready to move him to the capital.
While the Vatican has yet to finalize the official agenda, the visit is expected to be busy. Plans include stops at migrant reception centers, meetings with community organizations, and a tour of Santa Cruz city center, ending with a 90-minute Mass at the port. This route, which covers areas like the Plaza de España and the maritime avenue, requires careful coordination, which will be further refined when a Vatican commission visits the island to inspect the sites.
Vicar General Antonio Pérez Morales of the Diocese of Tenerife acknowledged the complexity of the planning. He noted that the Pope might stay at the Nivariense Bishopric after visiting Gran Canaria, a move that would help avoid the heavy air traffic usually seen at Los Rodeos on Friday mornings. Government Delegate Anselmo Pestana has asked for the public’s patience regarding the inevitable disruptions, describing the visit as a historic event that goes beyond the typical challenges of managing large gatherings on the islands.