Pope Leo Visits Canary Islands to Highlight Migrant Deaths, European Policy Failures
Pope Leo is undertaking a visit to the Spanish Canary Islands this week, aiming to spotlight the dire circumstances faced by migrants attempting the treacherous sea journey to Europe. The pontiff's engagement comes as European Union states enact a new pact designed to further tighten borders, potentially making detention and deportation easier for those arriving by sea.
His message directly challenges prevalent narratives of a 'migration crisis' and 'ideological invasion'. During his visit, Pope Leo is expected to drop flowers into the ocean off Gran Canaria in memory of the numerous migrants who have perished, including entire boatloads that vanished without a trace.
The Pope’s emphasis is on the necessity of establishing 'safe and legal pathways' to Europe, advocating for a 'respectful welcome' for individuals who often pay smugglers and embark on perilous voyages in rudimentary vessels. This stance stands in stark contrast to the EU's new policy framework, which is anticipated to be implemented in key arrival zones like the Canary Islands.
For many, like 19-year-old Bakary Jaiju from The Gambia, the journey across the Atlantic involved seven days at sea with dwindling supplies, a desperate gamble for a 'better life' for his family. Jaiju, who eventually reached Tenerife, spent months in a migrant camp before joining a local initiative run by Padre Pepe, a parish priest.
Padre Pepe's Good Samaritan Foundation provides accommodation and training for around 170 young men, addressing a critical gap as local authorities often cease support for migrants once they turn 18. The priest stresses the local labour market's capacity to absorb these individuals, arguing, "The labour market could absorb all these people, there is huge demand."
Spain's Socialist government, under Pedro Sánchez, has initiated a one-off programme allowing hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants who arrived before last December to regularise their status, securing residence and work permits. This pragmatic move, intended to address Spain’s ageing population and labour shortages, has drawn sharp criticism from the conservative Popular Party, which labelled it 'irresponsible' and contrary to EU immigration policies. The far-right Vox party denounced it as an 'invasion' threatening public services.
Despite political opposition, businesses like the Domingo Alonso Group, a car firm in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, have successfully integrated young migrants into their workforce, filling shortages in skilled trades. Diana del Molino Rodriguez from the firm highlighted initial fierce criticism but noted the positive impact, with individuals like Tiene Lama, 19, now able to send hundreds of euros monthly to his family in Ivory Coast.
Officials in the Canary Islands remain critical of the broader European approach. Francis Candil, deputy minister for welfare, stated, "We have no-one to work in the hotels, drive our buses or work in construction; we don't have masons or mechanics." He continued, "What we need is a real migration policy that means people from African countries don't have to risk their lives but can come to Europe and have options for work. Instead, we have Europe trying to protect itself behind walls - and to expel people."
