The historic centre of San Cristóbal de La Laguna reawakened yesterday, celebrating its rich history, tradition, and religious heritage as it took to the streets to acclaim the historic presence of León XIV, the first pope to visit the Island.
From before 7:00 AM, the streets of the city were bustling with people, some heading towards the grand Eucharist at the port of Santa Cruz, while most aimed to secure the best possible spot to see the pontiff as he passed through Viana and San Agustín streets.
The Plaza del Cristo de La Laguna began to fill with representatives from organisations dedicated to welcoming and integrating migrants in the Archipelago, both church-related and secular, along with various ecclesiastical groups. Many migrants from diverse nationalities expressed their excitement at being part of this gathering, highlighting the realities of migration and the efforts towards integrating these individuals into society. They offered a helping hand, hope, and opportunities for socioeconomic integration, leaving behind vulnerability.
A melting pot of cultures and nationalities filled the seats at the grand venue in La Laguna. A diverse array of people hailing from numerous countries across Latin America, Africa, Europe, and as far afield as the Philippines were active members of various parish communities, injecting new vitality into the communities that welcomed them and building bridges through integration.
The ringing of bells from different temples in La Laguna heralded the arrival of Pope León XIV in Tenerife. Their rapid, continuous, and festive sounds displayed the joy and glory of the Christian community at the historic presence of a pope in the Nivariense diocese. More people began to gather around the Plaza del Cristo, coming from various parts of the city, neighbouring municipalities, and many visitors surprised by the presence of the Holy Father, although lamenting their inability to access the venue. There were no giant screens outside to follow the event, and it was difficult to hear the testimonies being shared.
As the scheduled events fell behind, so too did the excitement for many to witness a unique and historic moment in their lives. With access to the Plaza del Cristo and the streets of Viana and San Agustín closed, the crowd surged into the surrounding streets where the papal motorcade would exit towards Santa Cruz.
The conclusion of the ceremony at the Plaza de Cristo marked the beginning of Robert Francis Prevost’s journey through the streets of La Laguna and Tenerife, retracing the route he had taken previously as the Prior General of the Augustinians, albeit anonymously.
After greeting some attendees in the front rows and blessing several children and babies, he commenced a procession reminiscent of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, substituting the donkey for an adapted electric cart for this historic occasion.
At the beginning of Viana street, the pope sought to comfort many vulnerable groups. He was able to bless residents at the Asilo del Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna, managed by the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly, who have been providing care and service to the elderly for nearly 130 years. He also engaged with groups of twenty to thirty users, caregivers, and staff from the Franciscan homes of the Cruz Blanca, various facilities of the Hospitaller Sisters of Tenerife Acamán, and the House of the Bethelite Brothers, among other centres and residences for vulnerable individuals. During this route, he blessed several babies and warmly greeted the Poor Clares.
The entrance onto San Agustín street ignited jubilation among the thousands of excited attendees, people of many nationalities waving their respective flags, amidst cheers and shouts of joy. Along the route between Viana and San Agustín, three traditional whistlers could be heard: “Spread the word, the pope is coming, let us raise our gaze.”
Upon arriving at the episcopal palace, the Pontiff approached some lucky individuals without hesitation. He took the opportunity to step onto the balcony to greet the crowd, share a few words, and extend the papal blessing. During these hours, believers in the streets of historic La Laguna expressed their fraternity in faith, while those who were less active in their practice and followers of other beliefs also bore witness to, and observed with anticipation, a historic event: the presence of the successor of the Apostle St. Peter in a city where churches, convents, hermitages, and chapels abound.
“We are brothers: some from Peru, Colombia, and Tenerife…”
Pope León XIV expressed gratitude for the welcome that Tenerife extends to all migrants, noting that “we all wish to be welcomed with the human dignity bestowed by God at our creation.” He gave “thanks to God” for life, the capacity to love and to be loved. Surprised by the diversity of people in the streets, he affirmed from the bishop’s balcony: “We are all brothers and sisters: some from Peru, some from Colombia, some from Venezuela, some from Tenerife… we are all one family.”
