Pope Leo XIV strongly condemned the indifference of world leaders to the deaths of migrants, stating that history will severely judge those who ignore these human tragedies. His remarks were made during a meeting with humanitarian organizations at the port of Arguineguín, on the island of Gran Canaria, as part of his apostolic journey.
The Pope called for the establishment of legal and safe migration pathways, as well as more humane treatment of migrants. He stressed the need to address the increasing number of shipwrecks and deaths in the Mediterranean and on Atlantic routes.
During his visit, the Pope also heard testimonies from migrants and rescuers, recounting stories marked by suffering, fear, and sometimes survival after particularly dangerous crossings. These exchanges were a central part of his trip.
The Canary Islands have faced intense migratory pressure for several years, becoming one of the main entry points to Europe. In 2024, the archipelago recorded a record number of migrant arrivals, and more than 3,000 deaths were recorded in 2025, according to the cited data.
The Pope stated that these repeated tragedies cannot be considered mere inevitable consequences of migration, but rather collective failures of international policies. He urged governments to act in a coordinated manner to prevent further loss of life at sea.
This stance is consistent with the Vatican's repeated calls for a more humane migration policy. It comes at a time when the issue of migration continues to deeply divide European states, particularly regarding border control and solidarity between countries.
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