Pope Leo XIV arrived in Spain's Canary Islands on Thursday to meet migrants, many of whom survived a dangerous Atlantic crossing to reach the archipelago.
The visit fulfils a long-held wish of his predecessor Francis, who died a year ago without making a planned trip to the islands, one of the main entry points into Europe for people fleeing conflict and poverty.
More than 46,000 migrants reached the archipelago off northwestern Africa in 2024, a record year, often in packed, unseaworthy boats.
Leo is due to visit the port of Arguineguín on the island of Gran Canaria, where he will meet migrants and lay a floral offering in honour of those who died during attempted crossings.
"We really value this visit. It's very important for us at such a critical moment," Mohamed Amjahdi, who arrived in the islands from Morocco when he was 17, told AFP in Arguineguín.
