– SANTA CRUZ COUNCIL – File
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 11 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is finalising preparations for the visit of Pope León XIV this Friday, marking his first visit to the island. Thousands of people are expected to arrive from various parts of the Canary Islands and the rest of the country.
The route taken by León XIV will allow thousands to accompany the Pontiff as he passes through some of the city’s main urban spaces. He is set to arrive in Santa Cruz from La Laguna, departing at 11:30, as detailed by the council in a statement.
His entry into the capital will be through Avenida Tres de Mayo, Avenida Manuel Hermoso Rojas, Calle Alcalde José Emilio García Gómez, and Calle Áurea Díaz-Flores Hernández. This initial segment will be conducted in an official vehicle until reaching Avenida La Salle.
PROCESSION IN THE PAPAMOBILE
It will be at La Salle where one of the most anticipated moments of the day occurs, with his switch to the papamobile. This will allow His Holiness closer contact with the faithful gathered along the route. The Pope is expected to begin this leg around 11:40.
From this point, the procession will move across the Galcerán Bridge, down Calle Galcerán, through Plaza Weyler, and along Calle Méndez Núñez, skirting García Sanabria Park, before continuing via Calle El Pilar, Villalba Hervás, and La Marina, traversing the historical and commercial heart of the capital.
The final segment of the journey will take place along Avenida Marítima, Avenida Francisco La Roche, and Avenida de la Constitución, culminating in the vicinity of the Tenerife Auditorium and the Port of Santa Cruz, where the main event of the visit will occur.
At this location, León XIV will preside over a mass attended by a large congregation, marking the conclusion of his apostolic journey to Spain and turning Santa Cruz into the backdrop for a historical event for both the Church and the city.
He is expected to arrive at the stage located in the port area by 12:15 to commence the Holy Mass in front of 30,000 attendees. It is anticipated that the duration of the service will be approximately 45 minutes, with the Pope departing the municipality at 13:00 to head to Los Rodeos Airport, from where he will leave Spanish territory en route to the Vatican.
ACTIVATION OF THE MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY PLAN
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has declared the activation of the Municipal Emergency Plan (PEMU) in an Alert situation starting from 00:00 hours this Friday. This decision allows for the implementation of extraordinary preventative measures necessary due to the Pope’s visit to the municipality.
The primary reason for activating the PEMU is the significant gathering of people expected on Friday in the Tenerife capital, both along the papal procession route and for the anticipated mass in the port area.
This activation also means the establishment of the Local Administration Coordination Centre (Cecopal), which will enhance communications systems and involve local police, civil protection, municipal services, and emergency resources from the Government of the Canary Islands.
