Earlier today, Pope Francis praised the “abundant legacy” of the Spanish Heritage cities, emphasizing that they should serve as “life lessons rather than mere museum pieces” for their inhabitants. This was expressed by the Supreme Pontiff during a gathering with the group representing these cities, on the occasion of their 30th anniversary, led by the mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez.
During the meeting, held in the private library of the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, the pope stressed that the guardianship of the cities’ heritage “represents a significant responsibility, as well as a splendid vocation,” and encouraged that “our interest in Heritage should not be limited to the artistic and cultural realm but should encompass a broader perspective, encompassing the integrity of the individuals inheriting this legacy and the societies passing it down to us.”
In this context, he highlighted the importance of “the culture of blending” as a driving factor in the cities’ history, reflecting on his own background as the offspring of an immigrant, and urged, given the ageing population of Europe, for “welcoming, accompanying, and integrating the immigrant.”
The pontiff advocated that “the contemplation of the various monuments enables both residents and visitors to reflect on the prudence and strength that enabled their construction. Thus, we will discuss communities, individuals, and a history that is not merely observed but rather experienced, with one eye on the past and another on the future, always keeping our hands on the present that challenges us each day.”
Luis Yeray Gutiérrez conveyed to His Holiness “the gratitude of the 15 mayors of the Heritage Cities for this private audience and his supportive words on the significant occasion of the 30th anniversary of their establishment.”
The mayor and leader of the Group reaffirmed to the Pope “the commitment of the 15 cities to preserving and safeguarding their tangible and intangible heritage and its global promotion” and presented a special collection of 15 plates featuring the artistic representation of each of the Heritage Cities, created by a local artist from each city, enclosed in a leather binder from Ubrique with the 30th anniversary emblem. For La Laguna, the plate showcases urban landscapes of the city by José Luis Fajardo.
Gutiérrez expressed gratitude to the Pope for his address and recognition of the 15 Spanish cities embodying peace, unity, and harmony, symbolizing the advocacy for universal values. Alongside the pontiff, they pledged all efforts towards the preservation of culture and heritage as fundamental references in a world where agreements and mutual understanding prevail over animosity.”
