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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