Pope Leo XIV on Friday delivered a powerful message of solidarity and compassion for migrants, telling hundreds gathered at a reception centre on the Spanish island of Tenerife that “all of us are migrants” as he concluded a weeklong visit to Spain focused largely on the challenges facing irregular immigrants seeking refuge and opportunity in Europe.
Standing before migrants from different parts of Africa, the Middle East and other regions at the Las Raices reception centre, the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics called for greater humanity, understanding and collective responsibility in addressing one of the most pressing issues confronting the modern world.
“In a sense, all of us are migrants, for we are all pilgrims on our way to our heavenly homeland,” the Pope said, drawing applause from many of those in attendance.
The remarks formed the centerpiece of his final day in Spain, where he has spent the past week highlighting the plight of migrants and urging governments, international organisations and citizens to work together to protect vulnerable people fleeing poverty, conflict and hardship.
The visit to Tenerife carried particular significance because the Canary Islands have emerged as one of the main gateways into Europe for irregular migrants making dangerous journeys across the Atlantic Ocean. Thousands of people each year undertake the perilous crossing from West Africa, often risking their lives in overcrowded boats in hopes of reaching European shores and building better futures for themselves and their families.
Over recent years, the archipelago has experienced a dramatic increase in migrant arrivals, placing significant pressure on local authorities, humanitarian organisations and reception facilities tasked with accommodating newcomers.
The Las Raices reception centre, where the Pope addressed migrants, has itself been at the centre of public debate.
Housed in a former military barracks, the facility initially faced criticism from human rights groups and local advocates over concerns about overcrowding and living conditions. Despite those challenges, it remains one of the largest reception centres in the region and serves as a temporary home for hundreds of migrants awaiting further processing.
During his speech, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the difficulties migrants face throughout their journeys, from exploitation by human traffickers to the uncertainty of life in unfamiliar countries. He appealed for greater compassion and urged societies not to lose sight of the human stories behind migration statistics.
“Let us help make this journey more humane for everyone by contributing in whatever way we can,” he said.
His message comes at a time when immigration continues to dominate political discussions across Europe.
Governments throughout the continent remain divided over how best to manage migration flows, strengthen border controls and uphold humanitarian obligations toward those seeking safety and opportunity.
Throughout his Spanish tour, the Pope repeatedly emphasized the importance of balancing security concerns with human dignity, urging policymakers to remember that migrants are individuals with hopes, dreams and families rather than merely numbers in official reports.
The pontiff also renewed calls for stronger international cooperation to combat human trafficking networks that profit from the desperation of vulnerable people.
Traffickers often charge migrants substantial sums of money for dangerous sea crossings, exposing them to abuse, exploitation and life-threatening conditions.
Church officials accompanying the Pope said his visit aimed to draw global attention to the realities faced by migrants and to encourage practical responses rooted in compassion and justice.
Following his address at Las Raices, Pope Leo XIV was scheduled to celebrate a large open-air Mass in the port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Tens of thousands of worshippers were expected to attend the event, making it one of the largest religious gatherings held in the Canary Islands in recent years.
Pilgrims, residents and visitors began arriving hours before the ceremony, filling streets surrounding the waterfront venue and creating an atmosphere of celebration mixed with reflection on the Pope’s message.
The Tenerife visit marked the final stage of a broader Spanish tour that began earlier in the week with stops in Madrid and Barcelona. During those visits, the Pope met religious leaders, government officials, community groups and ordinary citizens while promoting themes of social justice, solidarity and care for the vulnerable.
On Thursday, he visited Gran Canaria, another major island in the archipelago, where he met local church representatives and humanitarian workers involved in migrant assistance programmes. There, he praised volunteers and aid organisations that provide food, shelter, healthcare and legal support to migrants arriving on the islands.
Observers say the Pope’s decision to devote significant attention to migration during his first major visit to Spain reflects a broader commitment to issues affecting displaced populations worldwide. Since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has consistently stressed the importance of protecting human dignity and supporting those living on the margins of society.
As his visit drew to a close, many migrants at Las Raices expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet the pontiff and hear words of encouragement from one of the world’s most influential religious leaders.
For many of those gathered, the Pope’s message served as a reminder that their struggles have not gone unnoticed and that the international community has a shared responsibility to ensure that migration is managed with humanity, fairness and respect for fundamental rights.
With his final appeal from Tenerife, Pope Leo XIV left Spain urging both leaders and citizens to look beyond politics and recognise a common human journey, one that, in his words, makes migrants and non-migrants alike fellow pilgrims seeking a better future.
