‘Dignity has no passport’: Pope makes appeal for migrants in Canary Islands
Summary
Pope Leo visited Spain’s Canary Islands, urging world leaders to treat refugees and migrants with respect and kindness. He warned against ignoring the suffering of people fleeing war and poverty and highlighted the serious dangers faced by migrants trying to reach Europe.Key Facts
- Pope Leo made an appeal for migrants’ dignity, saying it "has no passport" and does not change when crossing borders.
- He spoke at Gran Canaria’s Port of Arguineguin, a key entry point for migrants to Europe where many suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Around 3,090 people died in 2025 attempting to reach the Canary Islands by sea.
- In 2024, over 46,000 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands, often in unsafe boats.
- The pope is continuing a weeklong visit to Spain, including meetings with about 1,000 refugees and migrants.
- Spain has a program to give residency to over half a million undocumented migrants, despite some criticism from far-right groups.
- The pope called lack of support for migrants a challenge to the ethical foundations of the international community.
- The visit honors a trip previously planned by Pope Francis, who passed away before he could visit the islands.
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