The passing of Pope Francis has reverberated throughout the globe. After several weeks facing health issues, the final images of the Pontiff at the principal building of El Vaticano did not foretell an imminent conclusion. The Argentine Pope’s tenure has been one of the most admired among the faithful, owing to his approachable and humble nature that he embraced from day one.
His concern extended to the Canary Islands, as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, his given name, articulated on numerous occasions his worry regarding the migration crisis afflicting the Canary Islands for many years. He even declared his intention to visit the Archipelago, although this did not materialise due to scheduling and health concerns.
Conversely, numerous Canarian individuals have journeyed to papal territory to engage in a private or shared audience with the former Pontiff. This includes the canonisation of José de Anchieta, visits from mayors and political leaders, as well as a delegation from CD Tenerife during their centenary celebrations.
April 2014: Mass in Honour of Saint José de Anchieta
On April 3, 2014, José de Anchieta, born in San Cristóbal de la Laguna in 1534, was canonised. He played a pivotal role in the evangelisation of Brazil during the 16th century, founding the cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. On the 24th of that month, a thanksgiving mass for his canonisation was celebrated, attended by the then bishops of Gran Canaria, Francisco Cases, and Tenerife, Bernardo Álvarez.
The bishop expressed at that time that the canonisation of José de Anchieta was something that “the Canary Islands longed for. We are extremely pleased and will join the Thanksgiving Mass alongside the other representatives from Brazil to honour the saint.”
July 2018: Fernando Clavijo’s Initial Visit
Pope Francis condemned the loss of thousands of lives in the Mediterranean while commending lifeguards dedicated to rescuing migrants at sea, during the mass he held in San Pedro to commemorate his visit five years prior to the Italian island of Lampedusa.
Fernando Clavijo, in his first photograph with Pope Francis / EFE
This event was attended by the President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, who participated in the Mass at the invitation of the proactive NGO, Open Arms. “I had the opportunity to greet him and presented him with a gift book from (José) Viera and Clavijo, inviting the Pope to the Canary Islands, a place he has never visited. I can imagine many places have extended invitations, but we wished to do so,” Clavijo detailed.
November 2018: Francisco Receives the Slavery of the Christ of La Laguna
The major overseer of the Christ of the Lagoon, Francisco Doblas González from Aledo, met with Pope Francis. The Pontiff received him during the Wednesday audience, commemorating the Holy Year award granted to this Lagunera Brotherhood for the fifth centenary of the arrival of the Moreno Crucified in the Canary Islands.
This occasion prompted the group to undertake a pilgrimage to the Vatican, which saw around 30 attendees, including the president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Carlos Alonso, and the lagoon councillor, Iván González, representing the City Council, since the mayor cancelled the trip “for political reasons.”
January 2022: Visit by José Mazuelos, Bishop of the Canary Islands
The Bishop of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, José Mazuelos Pérez, made his first “Ad Limina” visit to the Vatican since assuming his role. These regular visits enable bishops to update the Pope on the status of their dioceses and strengthen bonds with the Holy See.
August 2022: CD Tenerife Delegation with Ángel Víctor Torres and Pedro Martín
On the occasion of CD Tenerife’s Centenary, a delegation led by its president, Miguel Concepción, and the then president of the Canary Islands Government, Ángel Víctor Torres, was received by Pope Francis during a general audience. During this event, gifts were exchanged, including a personalised shirt and a club scarf. The Pope conveyed his solidarity with those affected by the eruption of the Volcano of La Palma and expressed concern about the immigration situation in the Canary Islands.
March 2023: Audience with the Cabildo de Gran Canaria
The council member of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Marco Aurelio Pérez, and the former tourism councillor, Ramón Suárez, attended an audience with Pope Francis. During their discussion, they addressed multiculturalism and interreligious coexistence in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, emphasising the significance of the Ecumenical Temple of Maspalomas.
January 2024: Fernando Clavijo and Delegation of the Government of the Canary Islands
The president of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, along with vice president Manuel Domínguez and other executive members, held a private audience with Pope Francis on January 15, 2024. The primary focus was to discuss the immigration crisis in the archipelago and solicit international support. Also present were the bishops of the Canary Diocese: Bernardo Álvarez, José Mazuelos, and Cristóbal Déniz.
April 2024: Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, as President of the World Heritage Cities Group of Spain
“Elated, pleased, and honoured.” These were the sentiments expressed by the mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, upon being received by the Pope in a hearing at the Vatican, a visit part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the World Heritage Cities group from Spain, with all leaders of these cities participating.
As the mayor reported to El Día, Pope Francis commended the enthusiasm and dedication of the municipality in preserving La Laguna’s rich ecclesiastical, religious, and cultural heritage, “especially considering the challenges posed by insularity.”
