Pope Leo's visit to Tenerife shines a light on the migrant crisis

On the final day of his Apostolic Journey to Spain, Pope Leo travelled to Tenerife, where migration remains a defining reality. Visiting one of Europe’s main arrival points for African migrants risking the perilous Atlantic crossing, the Pope sought to draw international attention to the human suffering behind migration statistics and to reaffirm the Church’s closeness to those forced to flee their homes.

By Fr. Paul Samasumo, Tenerife

On the last leg of his Apostolic Journey to Spain, Pope Leo spent the day in the Southernmost tip of Europe, Tenerife.

As the universal Shepherd, Pope Leo was here to confirm the faithful of this island, blessed with a mild, subtropical climate all year-round.

But inevitably, it is the issue of migration that was more or less the centre of the visit to this Island.

For years, Tenerife has been a destination for migrants from North and West Africa, basically because of its geographic location.

Tenerife's location off the north-west coast of Africa makes it one of the closest European destinations for migrants crossing the Atlantic.

Tenerife from a distance (AFP or licensors)

But the crossing is one of the deadliest routes for African migrants, most of them escaping wars, economic instability, political conflict, and climate change in their home countries. Many who have attempted to cross the rough seas have perished. The few who survive come to places like Tenerife.

These are desperate journeys made by those who have lost everything in their lands and whose only option seems to leave and entrusting their lives to violent gangs who smuggle them on dangerous, violent and unsafe routes.

Pope Leo was in Tenerife because he wanted the world not to look away from what happens here. Admittedly, due to EU controls, the numbers arriving in Tenerife are said to have drastically decreased by as much as 65%.

Incidentally, Pope Francis had wanted to come to the Canary Islands to highlight the plight of migrants. Wherever he is in heaven, he is today pleased that his successor Pope Leo has made this journey.