1095831.1.260.149.20260612155502
In light of the island’s “tourist vocation,” he urges to “not reduce everything to commerce and profit.”
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 12 Jun. (from EUROPA PRESS correspondent, Laura Ramírez) –
Pope Leo XIV has expressed gratitude to the Canary Islands for their “first welcome” to migrants after a journey “exposed to unimaginable dangers and violence,” urging the faithful to open this “sea of love” to all.
“Open this sea of love to everyone! This is my desire and prayer for you and for all those who cross your path,” the Pontiff exclaimed on Friday during his farewell homily in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Speaking to approximately 35,000 attendees, as confirmed to Europa Press by diocesan sources, Robert Prevost highlighted that the Canary Islands are “at the centre of migratory routes, making them a primary reception point for brothers and sisters whose journeys generally expose them to indescribable dangers and violence.” He invited everyone to welcome those “who speculate on desperation.”
Furthermore, he noted that the geographical location of the diocese of Tenerife and the “pastoral challenges it faces” attest that humans are “born for encounter, and no obstacle, distance, danger, or threat can hinder anyone’s journey.”
“NO HUMAN BEING IS AN ISLAND”
“No human being is an island,” emphasised Leo XIV during the final mass event of his visit to Spain, which commenced on 6 June, covering Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canaries.
He also contrasted the migration crisis with tourism in Tenerife, urging not to “reduce everything to commerce and profit.”
Specifically, he referred to Tenerife’s “tourist vocation” in relation to both those who choose to spend their holidays there and those who live and work on the island, engaging with visitors from around the globe.
“What does the human heart seek? How can it respond to its faith in a genuine manner? It is particularly important, especially for those guided by the Gospel, not to reduce everything to commerce and profit,” he insisted.
Instead, he proposed that the faithful learn to value each individual and take joy in the simplest things. “Interpret, dear brothers and sisters, your vocation to welcome in this manner,” he stressed.
Finally, he invited attention to “teenagers and young people, the rich and the poor, residents and guests,” with a perspective “that goes beyond appearances.” “May it be felt among you that God is love,” he concluded.
