Pope Leo XIV has begun a two-day visit to the Canary Islands, listening to the stories of migrants who have risked perilous journeys across the Atlantic to reach Europe. The Pope told a gathering on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria that migrants “are not numbers or files, you are people,” and he “bowed” before their dignity. This recognition and solidarity is the theme of the Pope’s visit to the island.
The Pope’s visit comes as data from the UNHCR shows the number of arrivals by sea to Spain has fallen significantly this year, partly due to more interceptions off the West African coast by naval patrols funded by the EU. However, many people are still trying to cross, and dying, in their attempts to reach Europe. In the southern port of Arguineguín, often used by migrants, the Pope stressed the need for alternative “legal and safe pathways” above all.
Migrant Journeys to Europe
Bakary Jaiju, a 19-year-old migrant, shared his story of crossing the Atlantic in a wooden boat, facing seven frightening days at sea with limited supplies of food and water. Jaiju was among the lucky ones, as his boat was eventually spotted and rescued off the tiny Spanish island of El Hierro. He now lives in Tenerife, where he is learning Spanish and finding a way to stay legally, thanks to the help of Padre Pepe and the Good Samaritan Foundation.
Padre Pepe, a parish priest, realized the need to help young migrants on the island, as local authorities only looked after them until they turned 18. The Good Samaritan Foundation now offers accommodation and workshops to about 170 young men, helping them to integrate into society. The foundation’s efforts are supported by the Spanish government’s decision to allow hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants to “regularise” their status, applying for residence and work permits.
Immigration Policy and Reactions
The Spanish government’s move has been criticized by the opposition, with the conservative Popular Party condemning it as “irresponsible” and the far-right Vox party calling it an “invasion” that would attract more migrants to the country. However, the government sees the move as a mix of the humanitarian, pragmatic, and political, as Spain needs more workers to address its ageing and shrinking population. The Pope’s visit and the Spanish government’s decision highlight the need for a more compassionate and effective approach to migration policy in Europe.
The Pope’s message of recognition and solidarity with migrants serves as a reminder of the human cost of migration and the need for alternative solutions. As the European Union continues to grapple with migration policy, the Pope’s visit to the Canary Islands underscores the importance of finding a balance between humanitarian concerns and practical solutions, and the broader significance of this issue lies in its impact on the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Europe.
