Pope Leo is set to visit the Canary Islands next month, from 6 to 12 June, marking his first trip to a European Union nation outside Italy. The pontiff will focus on the critical migrant entry points off Africa's western coast, meeting with migrants and aid organisations on Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Details of the Visit
During his visit to Spain, Pope Leo will also travel to Madrid to meet King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and address the Spanish Parliament. The trip includes visits to Montserrat in Catalonia and Barcelona, where he will inaugurate the newest tower of the Sagrada Familia.
Political Context
This visit follows Pope Leo's increasingly outspoken stance on global leadership and comes after he was previously criticised by Donald Trump for his views on the Iran war and anti-immigration policies. The trip underscores the Pope's commitment to addressing the migrant crisis, which has seen thousands of arrivals on the Canary Islands in recent years.
