Pope Leo visits Canary Islands to highlight perilous journeys of migrants
Pope Leo visits Canary Islands to highlight – Bakary Jaiju, a 19-year-old Gambian man, embarked on a sea voyage in search of a better life. After seven harrowing days at sea, he finally reached the Canary Islands, now residing in Tenerife. He described the dangers of the journey, recalling how “you can’t even sleep in case you fall in” the water. Jaiju left his wife and baby behind, driven by the desire to improve his family’s circumstances despite the risks of the Atlantic’s treacherous waters.
Since his arrival in the Canary Islands, the toll of migration has been steep. Hundreds of others have perished in the same perilous attempt to reach Europe. Pope Leo’s visit to the Spanish archipelago, beginning in Gran Canaria, aims to spotlight these stories and contrast them with growing concerns of a migration “crisis” and “ideological invasion” in Europe. His message focuses on creating safe, legal routes for migrants and ensuring they are welcomed with dignity.
“If we do it well, integrate people well, there is nothing bad in it at all. Quite the contrary.”
Data from the UNHCR reveals a significant decline in migrant arrivals by sea to Spain this year. This trend is partly attributed to EU-funded efforts to intercept boats off the West African coast. Yet, the journey remains deadly for many, with the Pope emphasizing the need for humane solutions to the ongoing challenges.
In Gran Canaria, the Pope will pay tribute to those lost at sea by releasing flowers into the waves. This gesture honors the countless migrants who vanished without a trace, including entire groups on board overloaded vessels. For Bakary Jaiju, survival was a matter of luck. His boat, carrying around 160 souls, evaded heightened naval patrols off Mauritania and Senegal before being spotted and rescued near El Hierro.
Jaiju spent three months in a migrant camp in Tenerife before joining a program to learn Spanish and secure legal residency. His success was aided by Padre Pepe, a parish priest known for his warm demeanor and practical approach. Pepe noticed the growing number of young migrants on the island, many left to fend for themselves once they turned 18. “The streets will eat you up, young people are like carrion there,” he remarked, reflecting on the challenges faced by those without support.
Pepe’s Good Samaritan Foundation provides shelter and workshops for approximately 170 young men. He argues that Spain’s labor market has a strong capacity to absorb these newcomers, citing demand for skilled workers. Meanwhile, the Spanish government has introduced a one-time measure allowing undocumented migrants who arrived before December last year to regularize their status. This initiative has been met with mixed reactions, from gratitude to criticism.
The opposition has voiced concerns, with the conservative Popular Party calling it an “irresponsible” policy that defies EU immigration guidelines. Vox, the far-right party, labels the move an “invasion,” warning of strain on health services, housing, and security. However, the Socialist government frames the policy as a blend of humanitarian need, practicality, and political strategy. With an aging population, Spain requires more workers, and the initiative aligns with broader European efforts to address labor shortages.
Diana del Molino Rodriguez, representing the Domingo Alonso Group, shared how the car company partnered with local authorities to hire young migrants once they reached 18. Initially, the firm faced backlash from social media, with critics accusing migrants of “stealing” Spanish jobs. Now, with 30 individuals employed, including Tiene Lama, the program has become a testament to shifting attitudes toward migration.
