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 Arguineguin 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 Arguineguin."We also appreciate the Catholic Church and the vital work it does for migrants. When it comes to helping migrants, there's no distinction," added Amjahdi, 37, a subdelegate of the Spanish Islamic Commission."It doesn't matter whether you're Christian or not, whether you're white or black -- everyone receives the same support."Jose Antonio Rodriguez Verona, the regional Red Cross official responsible for the first emergency response for migrants arriving in the islands, told AFP: "We experienced many emotions here, and we still do."