Pope Leo traveled to Spain’s Canary Islands on Friday in his first major trip outside the Vatican since his election, meeting migrants at a key entry point to Europe.
The pontiff told crowds that dignity has no passport, emphasizing solidarity with people who cross dangerous sea routes seeking safety. He visited reception centers where migrants arrive after crossing from North Africa.
The visit carried symbolic weight as European governments debate stricter border controls and asylum policies. Leo’s predecessors also used early papal trips to highlight migration crises.
Local church officials said the pope wanted to draw attention to humanitarian conditions at one of the continent’s busiest migration corridors.
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Sources:
https://www.democracynow.org/2026/6/12/headlines