Pope casts flowers in sea in tribute to drowned migrants during Canary Islands visit
Summary
Pope Leo XIV visited Spain's Canary Islands and threw flowers into the sea to honor migrants who died trying to reach the islands. He spoke against ignoring migrant suffering and condemned traffickers who exploit vulnerable people during dangerous crossings.Key Facts
- The pope visited the Canary Islands on June 11, 2026, a key site in European migration routes.
- He cast flowers into the sea as a tribute to migrants who have drowned trying to reach the islands.
- Nearly 1,200 people died or went missing on the route from Africa to the Canary Islands in 2025.
- The pope criticized traffickers and governments that turn away migrants or ignore their plight.
- He met migrants and helpers in the port of Arguineguin on Gran Canaria island.
- A Nigerian woman shared her story of being trafficked and forced into prostitution in Spain.
- Over 46,000 migrants reached the Canary Islands in 2024, the highest number recorded.
- The pope's visit highlights ongoing challenges in migration amid growing restrictions in Europe.
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