On the Rodeo Alto road, just seven kilometres from Tenerife North Airport, lies a refuge for migrants in Tenerife. This is perhaps one of the few places on the island where mornings commence not with the crowing of a rooster or an alarm clock, but with the roar of aircraft. Unfortunately, those who spend the night here did not arrive in Tenerife by these means; instead, they arrived by canoe or small boat.

Despite the anticipation surrounding the pope’s arrival, the morning’s soundtrack remained the same—the roar of planes and the characteristic breeze of the area. Conversations in Wolof, Bambara, and Pulaar resounded daily among the modules of Las Raíces, dominating over Italian and the Canarian accent. Nevertheless, the 200 migrants present, seated on colourful benches, made a clear effort to stumble through Spanish and introduce themselves.

Las Raíces: The Pope’s First Stop in Tenerife

After a chilly morning with scattered clouds, the sun broke through just in time for the pope’s arrival. At 09:45am, fifteen minutes later than anticipated, the first police cars arrived, escorting the Holy Father. The procession passed through the distinctive green door of the migrant centre of Las Raíces—the only symbol visible to curious onlookers approaching to catch a glimpse inside. The ramp leading to the entrance, typically bustling with vehicle traffic, was clear for the occasion.

Five minutes later, His Holiness entered through the door, greeted by a wave of applause from children, mothers, and young adults alike.

Las Raíces Has Hosted Over 4,000 Migrants

The first to break the ice was the Bishop of Tenerife, Eloy Santiago, who extended a warm welcome to Leo XIV to the western isles. He briefly recalled the centre’s history and its role during the crisis of 2021, when it hosted over 4,000 migrants.

Elma Saiz, Minister of Migration, noted that “we are all newcomers somewhere in life, whether at birth or those who cross borders in search of a better life.” She highlighted how Spaniards now residing in a host country also had to leave their homeland.

“Since its opening, we have welcomed over 70,000 people, providing them with a dignified life and meeting their needs,” stated Ernesto Mayoral, Director of the Las Raíces centre. He expressed gratitude to the team of professionals who ensure that this facility functions effectively as a welcoming centre.

The Dream of Work and Family Care

The most poignant moment came when representatives from the migrant community spoke. Taiwo Oluwatobi, a 27-year-old from Nigeria, made it clear that their aspirations, like anyone else’s, are straightforward. “We come with simple goals such as finding work and caring for our families,” he remarked.

A young migrant victim of trafficking also shared her story. “Thank you for being in this land that represents hope for us after much suffering,” she revealed. Today she spoke on behalf of all migrants seeking peace and dignity. “We come from countries where war, persecution, and lack of opportunities force us to leave,” she asserted, stressing that no one leaves their home willingly.

The journey to reach this point was not easy. Pain, fear, and uncertainty were the words she used to describe her experience. “Especially across the Atlantic Ocean, which confronts us with death and where many have lost their lives,” she mentioned.

All for a simple and humane request: “That borders do not become hardened walls, and that we are seen as individuals with stories and families, not just statistics.” In this context, she emphasised their human condition above any legal issues. “We do not ask for money; we ask for education and the opportunity to live with dignity,” she highlighted.

Pope Leo XIV Addresses Migrants in French

To top it all off, the Holy Father delivered his speech in French, adding an intimate touch to the meeting. The scene turned into a dialogue between the migrants and him—along with a few attendees who also spoke the language. This reflected the clear objective of his visit.

“I was struck by the name of this reception centre, ‘Las Raíces’. My predecessor, the beloved Pope Francis, who longed to be with you, often used the image of roots to signify the need to remember one’s origins, to stay united and to trust in the Lord,” asserted the pontiff during his visit to Las Raíces.