Schools in Gran Canaria and Tenerife will close for one day each during the visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Canary Islands next week, as authorities prepare for what is being described as an unprecedented security operation.

The Canary Islands Government has confirmed that classes will be suspended in Gran Canaria on 11th June and in Tenerife on 12th June following a formal request from the Spanish Government Delegation. Officials say the decision was taken after reviewing security reports and forecasts of exceptionally large crowds and major travel disruption linked to the Pope’s visit.

The closures will only affect the island the Pope is visiting on each day. Schools, colleges and other educational centres in Gran Canaria will close on Thursday, 11th June, while those in Tenerife will close on Friday, 12th June.

Officials are also encouraging remote working wherever possible, and private businesses are being urged to allow staff to work from home if their roles can be carried out online.

Health services and courts are also making temporary changes. Non-urgent medical appointments and consultations may be rescheduled so that hospitals can focus resources on emergency care and essential treatments. Judicial authorities have already approved special measures to reduce in-person activity, prioritise urgent cases and expand the use of remote hearings.

The changes are aimed at ensuring public safety during a visit expected to attract tens of thousands of people across both islands. Authorities have warned that mobility and access will become major challenges due to the scale of the event and the extensive security arrangements required.

Residents and visitors are being advised to limit travel to essential journeys, reduce the use of private vehicles and make use of public transport where possible. A large security operation will be taking place across both islands, with restrictions introduced gradually around areas the Pope is scheduled to visit.

Several roads will be affected by temporary closures. In Gran Canaria on 11th June, sections of the GC-1, GC-31 and surrounding routes will experience rolling closures during the Pope’s arrival and movements around the island.

In Tenerife on 12th June, temporary restrictions will affect parts of the TF-5, TF-13, TF-24, TF-152 and TF-235, particularly during the morning and early afternoon. Drivers should expect delays and follow traffic updates issued by local authorities.

Further details of the traffic management plan are expected to be announced by the authorities and church organisers. Residents and tourists planning to travel on either island on the 11th or 12th June are advised to allow extra time for journeys and check for updates before setting off.