Pope Leo XIV concluded his week-long tour of Spain with a sharp condemnation of human trafficking networks operating along the Atlantic migrant route to the Canary Islands. The pontiff’s remarks, delivered during his final day in Tenerife, were followed by an unexpected logistical shift: after a technical failure grounded his original flight to Rome, the Pope accepted an offer from King Felipe VI to return to the Vatican aboard a Spanish Air Force Falcon.
Why is the Atlantic route considered uniquely dangerous?
The Atlantic path from West Africa to the Canary Islands is increasingly categorized by humanitarian organizations as more lethal than the Mediterranean central route. According to data from the NGO Caminando Fronteras, over 3,000 people died while attempting this crossing in 2025. Experts attribute the high mortality rate to the vastness of the ocean, the use of unseaworthy vessels, and a severe lack of rescue and surveillance assets compared to the Mediterranean.
The Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa, saw a historic surge in arrivals in 2024, with 46,843 irregular migrants recorded, a massive increase compared to the fewer than 1,000 arrivals documented in 2015, according to official government data.
What did the Pope demand from trafficking networks?
During a meeting with humanitarian groups in Tenerife, Pope Leo XIV issued a direct call for traffickers to “stop” and “repent.” Speaking in Spanish, the pontiff warned that those responsible for exploiting migrants would eventually “compare before divine justice.” He urged those involved in these illicit networks to “break those chains” and repair the damage caused to families and individuals, framing the issue as both a moral and humanitarian imperative.
How does this message align with broader migration trends?
Pope Leo XIV’s stance reinforces the focus on migrant rights established by his predecessor, Pope Francis. This position often places the Vatican in a state of friction with current geopolitical shifts, such as the European Union’s implementation of a new, stricter Migration Pact and the U.S. government’s push for mass deportations. While many European nations are tightening asylum criteria, Spain has recently pursued a more open approach, including a pathway to residency for roughly 500,000 undocumented individuals.
What happened during the Pope’s departure from Tenerife?
The Pope’s return to Rome was delayed by a technical issue at the Los Rodeos International Airport in Tenerife. According to the Holy See Press Office, the original commercial flight was canceled, leading to a coordination effort between the Vatican and the Spanish government. King Felipe VI provided a Falcon aircraft from the Spanish Air Force to ensure the pontiff’s return, while the accompanying Vatican staff and journalists were scheduled to return on a separate flight provided by Iberia.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is the Pope visiting the Canary Islands? The visit served to highlight the humanitarian crisis on the Atlantic migration route and to support organizations providing aid to migrants in transit.
- Is the Atlantic route for migrants closing? No. While arrivals dropped to approximately 3,000 in the first five months of 2026, the route remains active and highly dangerous, according to reports cited by the Holy See.
- What is the “muelle de la vergüenza”? It is a nickname given to a port in the Canary Islands where, in 2020, thousands of migrants were forced to live in substandard conditions during a peak in arrival numbers.
What are your thoughts on the role of international leaders in addressing the root causes of migration? Share your perspective in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on global humanitarian affairs.
Related reading
