Pope Leo XIV to Hear Testimony of Four African and Latin American Migrants in Arguineguín

The Visit to the Canary Islands Is Loaded with Symbolism

Pope Leo XIV will listen to the testimonies of four migrants from Africa and Latin America during a ceremony scheduled for 11:40 a.m. on 11 June at the Arguineguín dock (Gran Canaria). Around 2,000 people involved in the archipelago’s migration reality are expected to attend.

The details were disclosed on Wednesday at a press conference held by the Bishop of the Canary Islands, José Mazuelos; the Papal Visit coordinator, Enélida Hernández; and the dock‑event coordinator, Caya Suárez.

Regarding Arguineguín, Suárez described the event as “simple but full of many symbolic gestures,” emphasizing that it is “for and by” the people, with the aim of showing the Pope the migration reality reaching the Canary Islands.

During the ceremony, four volunteers will share their personal stories, highlighting different stages of migration—from reception to integration.

Homage to the “Angels of the Migrants”

The event will also feature a musical performance, remarks from the Pope himself, and a floral offering. It will serve to honor those the Bishop of the Canary Islands called “angels of the migrants”—the NGOs and institutions that assist migrants and are often the first to respond at the ports.

Representatives from various organizations will be present, including the Red Cross, CEAR, Maritime Rescue, Canary Police, National Police, and the Civil Guard, among others.

The Pope Will Learn About the Ecclesial Reality

Afterwards, according to Papal Visit coordinator Enélida Hernández, the Pope will travel to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where at about 13:30 h he will meet members of the Church in the Canary Islands to understand the local ecclesial and pastoral situation.

That meeting will accommodate roughly 600 people inside the church and 1,100 attendees in the Plaza de Santa Ana, and will also include a musical performance by a choir of about 100 singers.

Finally, in the late afternoon, Leo XIV will celebrate a Holy Mass at the Gran Canaria Stadium at 18:30 h, an event already pre‑registered by around 50,000 participants.