Pope Leo XIV Expresses Gratitude to Tenerife Diocese
Pope Leo XIV has sent a letter to the Bishop of the Diocese of Nivariense, Eloy Santiago, thanking him for the warm welcome during his apostolic visit to Spain from June 6-12. This letter follows his correspondence with three other dioceses that participated in the trip.
In his message, the Pope shared his joy over the visit, describing it as a significant moment of encounter, faith, and hope. He commended the efforts of Bishop Santiago, the local organising committee, and the wider community for facilitating this historic event for the Church in the Canary Islands.
During his visit to Tenerife, Leo XIV highlighted numerous acts of charity he witnessed, including a notable meeting at the Las Raíces migrant reception centre. On June 12, the Pope dedicated his initial hours on the island to migrants seeking new opportunities, underscoring his commitment to addressing migration issues.
While at Las Raíces, he spoke in French to connect with attendees, emphasising that “God’s love knows no borders.” He expressed his thoughts on the challenges faced by migrants, acknowledging their hardships while also celebrating the kindness shown to them by others.
The Pope invoked the memory of saints from Tenerife, such as Brother Pedro and St. Joseph of Anchieta, who were also migrants and missionaries. He urged those present to share their stories and cultures to build a “civilisation of love” and foster responsibility towards future generations.
Weeks after the visit, Leo XIV sent a letter to Nivariense, invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Candelaria, the patroness of the Canary Islands, to bless the entire archipelago. The diocese welcomed the Pope’s gesture and shared in his gratitude towards everyone who contributed to making the visit a memorable part of the Church’s history in the islands.
