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Pope Leo Highlights Migrant Struggles During Canary Islands Visit

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Pope Leo has begun a visit to Spain’s Canary Islands to draw attention to the dangers faced by migrants attempting the perilous Atlantic crossing from West Africa to Europe. During his trip, the Pope will honor those who lost their lives at sea and advocate for safer, legal migration routes while calling for a more humane and respectful approach toward migrants arriving on European shores.

Although migrant arrivals to Spain by sea have declined this year due to increased patrols and interceptions funded by the European Union, many people continue to risk the journey. Migrants such as Bakary Jaiju, who left Gambia in search of a better future for his family, describe overcrowded boats, limited food and water, and life-threatening conditions before reaching the Canary Islands.

The visit comes as Europe moves toward stricter migration controls under a new EU pact aimed at tightening borders and increasing deportations. However, local officials and community groups in the Canary Islands argue that migrants are helping fill labor shortages in sectors such as tourism, construction, and transportation, urging Europe to develop legal migration pathways instead of relying solely on enforcement measures.

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Over 1,300 Migrants Die Trying to Reach Spain in First Five Months of 2026

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More than 1,300 migrants have died while attempting to reach Spain’s coastline during the first five months of 2026, according to advocacy group Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders). The report recorded 1,317 deaths, including 142 women and 129 children, and noted that 27 migrant boats disappeared entirely with everyone on board.

The findings were released ahead of Pope Leo’s visit to Spain’s Canary Islands, a key destination for migrants crossing from Africa. During his visit, the Pope highlighted the humanitarian crisis facing migrants and called attention to the ethical responsibilities of the international community.

Rights organizations say tighter border controls in countries such as Mauritania are pushing migrants toward longer and more dangerous Atlantic routes. In 2025, more than 3,000 people were reported dead or missing while attempting to reach Spain, underscoring the continuing risks faced by those seeking entry into Europe.

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Tenerife Faces Tension as Hantavirus Cruise Ship Nears Island

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Residents and dock workers in Tenerife are expressing concern and frustration as the cruise ship MV Hondius, linked to a hantavirus outbreak, prepares to arrive near the island this weekend. The ship, travelling from Cape Verde, saw multiple passengers fall ill, with several deaths reported during the voyage. Protesters gathered outside the Canary Islands parliament demanding stronger safety measures and clearer communication from authorities.

The Spanish government, working alongside the World Health Organization, said passengers will not directly enter residential areas. Instead, the ship will anchor offshore and passengers will be transferred to the industrial port of Granadilla before being repatriated or quarantined. Officials insisted there would be no risk to local residents and promised strict health and safety protocols throughout the operation.

The incident has reignited memories of the Covid-19 pandemic and sparked political debate on the islands, with some residents accusing authorities of ignoring local concerns. Others, however, said Tenerife has experience handling international crises and expressed cautious confidence in the healthcare system and emergency response plans.

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Pope Leo XIV to Visit Canary Islands During Spain Tour

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Pope Leo XIV will travel to Spain from June 6–12, marking his first visit to a European Union country outside Italy since becoming pontiff. As part of the trip, he will visit the Canary Islands—a major entry point for migrants crossing dangerous Atlantic routes to Europe.

During his time on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, the pope is expected to meet migrants and humanitarian organizations supporting them. The visit comes amid growing concern over migration, with thousands losing their lives attempting the journey, and as Spain rolls out a mass amnesty program for undocumented immigrants under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The tour will also include stops in Madrid and Barcelona, where the pope will meet King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and inaugurate a new tower of the iconic Sagrada Familia. The visit highlights his increasingly vocal stance on global issues, particularly migration and humanitarian concerns.

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Spain Seizes Record 45-Ton Cocaine Haul in the Atlantic Ocean

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Spanish authorities have intercepted a freighter in international waters, seizing an estimated 30,000 to 45,000kg of cocaine in what is being described as a national record. The vessel was intercepted off Spain’s Canary Islands on Friday, leading to the arrest of approximately 20 individuals. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska characterized the operation as one of the largest seizures both nationally and internationally, dealing a “historic blow” to global drug trafficking networks.

The freighter originated from Sierra Leone and was officially destined for Libya. However, investigators believe the cargo was intended to be offloaded onto smaller vessels for final distribution across Europe, following a common smuggling pattern. While the Civil Guard has declined to provide specific details regarding the ongoing investigation for legal reasons, they shared images on social media showing the illicit substances packed into the hold of the intercepted ship.

This massive operation significantly surpasses previous records, including a major seizure in January when authorities confiscated nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine at sea. The AUGC, the main union for the Civil Guard, hailed the event as a landmark moment for their Maritime Service. This latest discovery underscores the intensified efforts by Spanish law enforcement to disrupt major maritime drug corridors in the Atlantic.

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Bus Crash in Spain’s La Gomera Kills One, Injures 27 Tourists

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A tragic accident on the Spanish island of La Gomera left one person dead and 27 others injured after a bus carrying British tourists veered off the GM-2 road and plunged into a ravine. The victim was identified as a 77-year-old British man. Emergency services responded quickly, with several injured passengers, including three in serious condition, airlifted to hospital.

The tourists were reportedly travelling to the airport to return to the UK when the crash occurred. Those injured were taken to Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that all passengers were British nationals along with the driver, and support is being provided to those affected.

Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which remains unclear. The UK government has expressed condolences and is coordinating with Spanish authorities to assist its citizens. The incident has also drawn attention to previous accidents on the same route, raising concerns about road safety in the region.

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Deadly Tidal Surge in Tenerife Claims Three Lives, Injures 15

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Powerful waves slammed into the popular Spanish island of Tenerife, leaving three people dead and 15 others injured. The victims included a woman who suffered a heart attack after being swept into the water near Puerto de la Cruz, and two men who were pulled from the ocean at Santa Cruz de Tenerife and El Cabezo beach but could not be revived.

Emergency services said that several people were dragged out to sea as the rough weather struck coastal areas. In Puerto de la Cruz alone, 10 people were swept away, with three left seriously injured and taken to hospital. Local witnesses described chaotic scenes, including a waiter who jumped into the water to rescue swimmers but was unable to save one of the victims.

Authorities have urged both residents and tourists to stay away from the shoreline, warning that sea conditions are expected to worsen with swells up to four metres. They cautioned the public against taking photos or videos near the waves and stressed the need for extreme vigilance along coastal paths.

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Thousands protest against Canary islands’ ‘unsustainable’ tourism model

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Protests are set to erupt across the Canary Islands this Saturday, with demonstrators calling for a reevaluation of the region’s tourism industry and a halt to the influx of tourists. The movement, named “Canarias tiene un límite” (The Canaries have a limit), is supported by various environmental organizations such as Greenpeace, WWF, and Friends of the Earth.

The protests are fueled by concerns that the current tourism model, which has been in place for decades, is financially burdensome and environmentally unsustainable for locals. Víctor Martín, a spokesperson for the coordinating collective “Canarias se Agota” (The Canaries Have Had Enough), highlighted the strain on resources and the rise in poverty and social exclusion among locals.

Martín emphasized that the focus on tourism persists despite challenges like water scarcity and housing crises. He noted that low wages and high living costs exacerbate the situation, leaving many workers struggling to make ends meet. Martín stressed that the issue lies with the tourism model itself and not with the tourists, many of whom are warmly welcomed by locals.

The protestors demand an immediate halt to large-scale luxury developments and a reassessment of tourism’s impact on the islands. They call for a comprehensive study to determine the carrying capacity of each island and advocate for a transition towards sustainable tourism practices. Martín believes that addressing these issues could position the Canary Islands as a global example of sustainable tourism development.

In response, Fernando Clavijo, the regional president, stated that the government is already taking steps to address the concerns. He acknowledged the need for refinement in the tourism model but defended its overall success.

Overtourism has become a pressing issue not only in the Canary Islands but also in various Spanish cities and regions, prompting protests and discussions on sustainable tourism management.

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Tenerife Wildfire: Evacuations Ordered Amidst Resurgent Blaze in Scorching Heat

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Around 3,000 individuals have been forced to evacuate their residences on Spain’s Tenerife island due to a rekindled wildfire. This fire, originally ignited on Wednesday, has now affected communities in the island’s northeast, situated away from the primary tourist zones. High temperatures and strong winds have caused the same fire that ravaged the area in August to flare up once again.

To assist in firefighting efforts, Spain’s military has been deployed. Rosa Davila, president of the Tenerife Council, expressed hope that the deployment of multiple helicopters on Thursday would aid in stabilizing the fire. As a precautionary measure, most people have been evacuated from the towns of Santa Ursula and La Orotava, according to local authorities.

The Canary Islands, including Tenerife, have been on high alert for wildfires due to unusually high temperatures. Although the August blaze was brought under control, it was never completely extinguished. That wildfire persisted for several days and caused extensive damage to thousands of hectares of forest surrounding Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak.

The increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves are attributed to human-induced climate change, which has caused global temperatures to rise by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius since the start of the industrial era. Without significant reductions in emissions, temperatures will continue to climb.

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Villages Forced to Evacuate as Tenerife Wildfires Worsen

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A significant wildfire on the Spanish island of Tenerife has resulted in the mandatory evacuation of five villages. The fire, which originated in a nature reserve on the island’s northeastern coast, has expanded to cover approximately 800 hectares since it ignited on Tuesday night. Access to the forest encompassing Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, has been restricted by local authorities. Additional outbreaks of secondary fires have also been reported. Helicopters equipped with water have been deployed to the area, and the main blaze is proving challenging to combat due to its spread through wooded areas and ravines in Candelaria and Arafo. Rosa Davila, the head of Tenerife Council, emphasized the necessity of aircraft in navigating the steep terrain and acknowledged the blaze’s significant potential.

Villages including Arrate, Chivisaya, Media Montaña, Ajafoña, and Las Lagunetas were evacuated on Wednesday morning. Tenerife’s emergency services leader, Pedro Martinez, reported multiple secondary fires breaking out. Images reveal substantial flames consuming parts of the forest, accompanied by thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky. Despite the wildfire’s impact, Tenerife’s South and North airports appeared to be operating without disruptions as of Wednesday evening.

This wildfire incident follows a recent heatwave in the Canary Islands, leaving numerous areas parched and elevating the wildfire risk. In the preceding month, La Palma, an adjacent island within the Canary Islands archipelago, witnessed evacuations due to a wildfire during a period of extreme heat. This summer, wildfires have surged across various regions worldwide, including Southern Europe, Northern Africa, Canada, and Hawaii.

The heightened frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves are attributed to human-induced climate change. Global temperatures have already risen by around 1.1°C since the commencement of the industrial era, and further increases are anticipated unless concerted emissions reductions are enacted by governments across the globe.

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