Pope Leo XIV has arrived in the Canary Islands, becoming the first Vatican leader in history to visit the archipelago. The Pope landed at Gran Canaria Air Base this morning (Thursday) to begin a visit focused on migration, humanitarian aid and support for those making the dangerous journey to Europe across the Atlantic.

He arrived from Barcelona and was welcomed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo, several government ministers and senior church officials. Regional and local authorities were also present for the historic occasion.

The visit fulfils a plan originally set out by Pope Francis before his death last year. Deeply moved by the thousands of lives lost on the Atlantic migration route in recent years, he had hoped to visit the Canary Islands to meet migrants and recognise the work carried out by rescue teams and humanitarian organisations.

Shortly after landing, Pope Leo XIV travelled to the port of Arguineguín in southern Gran Canaria, one of the islands' best-known locations linked to the migration crisis. The port served as a major rescue and reception centre during the peak years of migrant arrivals and remains a powerful symbol of the challenges faced by the Canary Islands.

There, the Pope met migrants who survived the Atlantic crossing, members of rescue services and volunteers involved in reception and support programmes. One of the most symbolic moments of the visit was expected to be a tribute at sea in memory of those who lost their lives attempting the journey.

The Pope's programme will continue in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with a meeting at Santa Ana Cathedral alongside religious representatives from across the archipelago. Later this evening, he is due to celebrate a large open-air Mass at Gran Canaria Stadium, where thousands of worshippers are expected to attend.

Pope Leo XIV will spend the night in Las Palmas before travelling to Tenerife on Friday morning for the final stage of his visit to Spain.

With large crowds, road closures and increased security measures in place, residents and visitors are advised to allow extra time for travel and follow guidance from local authorities throughout the visit.