The historic centre of San Cristóbal de La Laguna regained its rich history, tradition, and religious heritage yesterday, filling the streets to celebrate the historic presence of Pope León XIV, the first pope to visit the Island.
Even before 7:00 AM, the streets were teeming with people. Some were heading to the grand Eucharist at the port of Santa Cruz, while the majority aimed to secure the best vantage point to see the pontiff as he passed along Viana and San Agustín streets.
Support for Migrants
The Plaza del Cristo began to fill with representatives from various groups committed to welcoming and integrating migrants in the Archipelago, including both church and lay members, alongside other ecclesiastical organisations. Many migrants from diverse nationalities expressed their joy at participating in this event, which highlighted the realities of migration and the efforts made for their integration into society. They extend a helping hand, offering hope and socio-economic opportunities, leaving behind their vulnerability.
A Rich Tapestry of Cultures
The event drew a rich tapestry of cultures and nationalities, with people from numerous Latin American countries, African nations, Europe, and even the Philippines joining together as active members of various parish communities. They have become a vital force for the communities that welcome them, building bridges through their integration.
The ringing of bells from various temples in La Laguna announced the arrival of Pope León XIV to Tenerife. Their rapid, continuous, and festive sound echoed the joy and glory of the Christian community for the historic presence of a pope in the Nivariense diocese. An increasing number of people gathered around Plaza del Cristo from different parts of the city, nearby municipalities, and curious visitors drawn by the arrival of His Holiness; however, many lamented their inability to access the venue. There were also no large screens outside to follow the event, making it difficult to hear the testimonies.
Heightened Anticipation
As delays in the event’s schedule accumulated, so did the excitement among many eager to witness this unique and historic moment. With access to Plaza del Cristo and Viana and San Agustín streets restricted, the crowd spilled over into adjacent streets where the papal procession would head towards Santa Cruz.
As the event at Plaza del Cristo concluded, it marked the beginning of Robert Francis Prevost’s public engagement through the streets of La Laguna and Tenerife. This was a route he had previously traversed during his earlier visit to the Island, albeit anonymously, as the General Prior of the Augustinians.
After greeting some attendees in the front rows and lifting several children, he began a procession reminiscent of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, this time substituting a donkey for an adapted electric cart for this historic occasion.
Blessings for Vulnerable Communities
At the beginning of Viana Street, the pope offered comfort to many vulnerable groups. He blessed residents of the Asylum of the Holy Christ of La Laguna, run by the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly, with nearly 130 years of service to the elderly. He also extended blessings to groups of aged users, caregivers, and staff from various facilities including the Franciscan Homes of the Cross White, the different resources of the Hospital Sisters of Tenerife Acamán, the Betlemite Refuge House, and the Santa Rita Home, as well as other vulnerable care centres. During this walk, he blessed several babies and greeted the Clarisas closely.
Joyful Reception
The entrance on San Agustín Street overflowed with jubilation among the thousands of excited attendees, representing multiple nationalities, proudly waving their respective flags, with shouts of joy resounding through the streets. Along the route from Viana to San Agustín, the sounds of three horn players echoed: “Let the word spread; the pope is coming, let us lift our gaze.”
Upon arriving at the episcopal palace, the Pontiff approached a few fortunate attendees. He readily stepped out onto the balcony to greet the crowd, share some words, and bestow the papal blessing. During this time, believers in the streets of the historic La Laguna shared their fellowship in faith, while those less religious, together with followers of other beliefs, bore witness to a historic event: the presence of the successor of Saint Peter in a city overflowing with churches, convents, chapels, and hermitages.
“We Are Brothers and Sisters”
Pope León XIV expressed gratitude for the welcome given to all migrants in Tenerife, stating “we all wish to be received with the dignity bestowed by God upon our creation.” He thanked God for life and for the ability to love and be loved. Taken aback by the diverse crowd that filled the streets, he declared from the episcopal balcony: “We are all brothers and sisters: some from Peru, some from Colombia, some from Venezuela, some from Tenerife… we are all one family.”
