The Mass led by Pope León XIV in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will mark the conclusion of the pontiff’s apostolic visit to Spain on 12 June. The Eucharist will take place at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and is expected to gather around 32,000 people, making it one of the largest religious events held in the Canary Islands.

King Felipe VI will travel to Tenerife to attend this significant Eucharist and bid farewell to the pontiff shortly after at the Tenerife North Airport, from where León XIV will conclude his visit.

The Papamobile Journey Before the Eucharist

Before reaching the mass site, Pope León XIV will travel through various main streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the papamobile. This planned route will allow the faithful to see him at different points in the city before his arrival at the port.

The journey will include the following streets: Leoncio Rodríguez, Avenida La Salle, Galcerán, Méndez Núñez, El Pilar, Villalba Hervás, La Marina, Plaza del Cabildo, Avenida Marítima, and Avenida Francisco La Roche.

A Wait with Videos, Music, and the Visit Hymn

The celebration will not begin with the arrival of the pontiff. In the moments leading up to the Eucharist, attendees will be able to follow a programme designed to prepare the atmosphere for the mass and showcase the pastoral life of the islands.

Prior to the Pope’s entry, a video featuring images from celebrations, meetings, and significant events across the various islands that make up the diocese will be shown, accompanied by several messages from the bishop.

The wait will also be enlivened by musical performances. Artists such as Guan Magec, Los Sabandeños, and Chago Melián will take to the stage, presenting a repertoire specially prepared for this occasion.

A Choir Created for the Celebration

Once the doors of the venue are closed, live entertainment will commence to prepare attendees for the arrival of the Holy Father. At this moment, the hymn dedicated to the Pope will be performed by a choir specifically formed for this celebration.

This choir will include various choral formations, several soloists, the organist Juan Luis Bardón, and the Insular Band of the Tenerife Music Bands Federation.

The Altar: Christ of La Laguna and Our Lady of Candelaria

The mass will be celebrated against the backdrop of the sea and in a venue designed by Tenerife architect Fernando Beautell. The two most cherished and revered images by the people of Tenerife, the Christ of La Laguna and Our Lady of Candelaria, will preside over the main altar.

The design of the site will also include references to Canarian vegetation, which will play a prominent role in the decoration of the space. The intent is for the mass to reflect the unique identity of the Archipelago.

Eight Tents to Safeguard the Consecrated Hosts

At the port venue, eight tents will be set up to safeguard the previously consecrated hosts that will be distributed among the faithful wishing to receive communion during the mass.

Notable figures indicative of the scale of the event include 400 chalices ordered for as many extraordinary ministers to distribute communion among attendees.

This arrangements will also involve 300 stoles, 120 chasubles, 100 albs, and up to 30 mitres prepared for the ecclesiastical representatives participating in the ceremony.