Pope Leo XIV visits Canary Islands to highlight perilous migrant journeys

Pope Leo XIV started a two-day visit to the Canary Islands on Thursday by hearing the stories of migrants who have risked long and dangerous Atlantic crossings to reach Europe.

"You are not numbers or files, you are people," the Pope told a gathering on Gran Canaria, emphasizing solidarity with migrants. He threw a wreath into the sea in tribute to those who died trying to reach the islands.

UNHCR data shows the number of sea arrivals to Spain has dropped significantly this year, partly due to EU-funded naval patrols. But many still attempt the crossing and die.

Bakary Jaiju, who left Gambia last year to reach Tenerife, recalled a seven-day voyage with dwindling food and water. He left behind his wife and baby in search of a better life.

Local priest Padre Pepe runs the Good Samaritan Foundation, helping about 170 young men with accommodation and skills. He criticizes hardening attitudes toward migration in Europe.

Spain's government under PM Pedro Sánchez has enacted a one-off measure allowing hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants to regularize their status if they arrived before last December. The opposition condemns it as "irresponsible" and an invitation for invasion. However, businesses in the Canary Islands face labor shortages and are hiring migrants.

Meanwhile, a new EU migration pact takes effect this week, aiming to tighten borders and speed up deportations. Canary Islands officials criticize it, stressing the need for a real migration policy.

The Pope urged legal and safe pathways to prevent further deaths at sea.