Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful speech in Spain, condemning the exploitation of migrants and calling for a “conversion” to recognize their dignity and worth. At the port of Arguineguín in the Canary Islands, the pope listened to the stories of migrants and people who help them, and he urged the church and states to promote and protect migrants. He described those who exploit migrants as “monsters” and emphasized that human dignity has no borders.
The pope’s visit to the Canary Islands, where tens of thousands of migrants arrive each year, highlighted the humanitarian crisis in the region. The port of Arguineguín, once known as the “port of shame” due to its poor treatment of migrants, is now seeking to rebrand itself as a “port of hope” with the help of volunteers and Catholic charities.
Migrant Crisis in Spain
The Canary Islands have become a major entry point for migrants from West Africa, with over 46,000 arrivals in 2024. Although the number of arrivals has declined in recent years, the crossing has become increasingly deadly, with nearly 3,090 people dying in 2025 and over 1,300 in the first six months of 2026. The pope’s speech came as the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is set to take effect, a new framework that has raised concerns among human-rights organizations.
The pope’s message was clear: migrants are not just statistics, but human beings deserving of dignity and respect. He called on the international community to cooperate and promote the protection of migrants, and he urged the nations of origin to provide conditions for human flourishing. The pope’s visit to the Canary Islands has brought attention to the migrant crisis in Spain and the need for a more compassionate and effective response.
Implications and Reactions
The pope’s speech has been met with praise from human-rights organizations and migrant advocacy groups, who see it as a powerful call to action. However, the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum has raised concerns that it may lead to increased deportations and detention of migrants. The pope’s visit to the Canary Islands has highlighted the need for a more nuanced and compassionate approach to migration, one that recognizes the dignity and worth of all human beings.
The pope’s message has implications beyond the migrant crisis in Spain, speaking to a broader need for empathy and understanding in the face of global challenges. As the world grapples with issues of migration, inequality, and social justice, the pope’s call for a “conversion” to recognize the dignity of all human beings is a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and solidarity.
