The historic heart of San Cristóbal de La Laguna yesterday revived its deep history, traditions, and religious heritage as it took to 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 bustling with people, some heading to the grand Eucharist in the port of Santa Cruz, but the majority were seeking the best vantage point to catch a glimpse of the pontiff as he made his way through Viana and San Agustín streets.
Community Engagement
The Plaza del Cristo de La Laguna began to fill with representatives from organisations committed to welcoming and integrating migrants within the Archipelago, including both church and secular entities, as well as other ecclesiastical groups. Many migrants from various nationalities expressed their joy at participating in this event, which highlighted the realities of migration and efforts towards integrating these individuals into society. They extend a friendly hand, offering hope and opportunities for socioeconomic integration, leaving behind vulnerability.
Cultural Diversity on Display
A melting pot of cultures and nationalities filled the seats in the grand venue, with people from numerous Latin American countries, Africa, Europe, and other locations such as the Philippines. These individuals actively participate in various parish communities and have become a vital force for the communities that host them, building bridges through their integration.
The ringing of bells from different temples in La Laguna announced the arrival of Pope León XIV in Tenerife. Their rapid, continuous, and festive tone expressed the joy and glory of the Christian community at the historic presence of a pope in the Nivarian diocese. More and more people flocked to the vicinity of the Plaza del Cristo, coming from various points across the city and neighbouring municipalities, as well as many visitors taken by surprise by the Pope’s arrival, lamenting their inability to access the enclosed area. There were no large screens outside to follow the event, and the testimonies were barely audible.
Although delays in the schedule mounted, so did the excitement of many wishing to witness this unique and historic moment in their lives. With access to the Plaza del Cristo, Viana, and San Agustín streets closed, the crowd gathered in the adjacent streets, awaiting the papal entourage’s departure towards Santa Cruz.
Pope’s Route Through the City
The conclusion of the event at the Plaza del Cristo marked the beginning of Robert Francis Prevost’s public appearance through the streets of La Laguna and Tenerife. This was a route he had previously traversed anonymously during his earlier visit to the island as the general prior of the Augustinians.
After greeting some attendees in the front rows, lifting and blessing several children, he started a route reminiscent of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, exchanging the donkey for an electric cart adapted for this historic occasion.
Upon reaching the start of Viana Street, the Pope comforted many vulnerable groups. He had the opportunity to bless residents of the Asylum of the Blessed Christ of La Laguna, run by the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly, who have been serving the elderly population for nearly 130 years, as well as groups of around twenty to thirty users, caregivers, and workers from various homes, including those of the Franciscan Cruz Blanca and the Hospital Sisters of Tenerife Acamán, the Betlemite Shelter, and Santa Rita Home, alongside other centres housing vulnerable individuals. During this journey, he blessed several babies and warmly greeted the Poor Clares.
The entrance to San Agustín Street overflowed with joy among the thousands of excited attendees, people of various nationalities waving their respective flags, amidst cheers and shouts of joy. Along the route between Viana and San Agustín, the sound of three whistlers from La Gomera could be heard: “Let the word spread, the Pope is coming, let us lift our eyes.”
Upon arriving at the episcopal palace, the Pontiff approached some fortunate individuals. He did not hesitate to step out onto the balcony to greet the crowd, to share a few words, and to impart the papal blessing. During these hours, believers in the streets of the historic centre of La Laguna shared their brotherhood in faith, while those less devout and followers of other beliefs also witnessed and observed with anticipation this historic event: the presence of the successor of the apostle Saint Peter in a city where churches, convents, hermitages, and chapels abound.
“We are brothers: some are Peruvian, Colombian, from Tenerife…”
Pope León XIV expressed his gratitude for the warm reception Tenerife extends to all migrants, stating, “We all wish to be welcomed with the human dignity that God bestowed upon us when He created us.” He gave “thanks to God” for life and the capacity to love and be loved. Astonished by the diverse crowd that filled the streets, he affirmed from the episcopal balcony: “We are all brothers and sisters: some are Peruvian, some Colombian, some Venezuelan, some from Tenerife… we are all one family.”
