Call for Continuity in the Message of Universal Fraternity Following Pope’s Visit
The Bishop of the Diocese of Nivariense, Eloy Santiago, has urged the continuation of the universal fraternity and welcome to migrants that Pope Leo XIV conveyed during his visit to the Canary Islands. “Let yesterday not remain merely a historical event or a fleeting emotion,” Santiago remarked, following the pope’s visit to Tenerife, which he described as a “positive” experience.
Important Reflections
The bishop called upon institutions and society as a whole to take note of the “strong, tough, yet hopeful” words spoken by Leo XIV during his time in the islands. “I hope that the words of the pope—his gestures, his gazes, his embraces for those who suffer, and his ability to listen—have reached our hearts,” he expressed.
A Historical Day
Santiago invited everyone to remember 12 June as a historic day for the Canary Islands. “I was there, I saw the pope in our land, walking, speaking our language, with words filled with love and hope that touched the heart and stirred emotions,” he stated. The bishop described the visit as a day “full of emotions” and images that, according to him, will “remain imprinted in our memories.” These images reflect “a welcoming people, open to all, who love the pope,” he added.
Continuing the Path
In this context, he emphasised that the Canaries must now embrace the pope’s words and his invitation to continue “along this path of defending people, their dignity, welcoming migrants, and working for the progress and holistic development of people and nations.”
