After giving witness to the migrant crisis early in his visit to the Canary Islands, Pope Leo XIV celebrated an outdoor Mass at Gran Canaria Stadium.
The Islands are the third major destination of his trip to Spain. Pope Francis had previously expressed his intention to visit the islands and learn firsthand about the migrant crisis—now Pope Leo has undertaken that same task.
POPE LEO XIV
I also invite you to pray together, during this Holy Mass, for our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives at sea.
During his homily, the Pope taught about the need for charity and solidarity among all people.
POPE LEO XIV
Jesus, on the other hand, teaches us the opposite: to experience the true joy of life, which is found in love, it is necessary to step down from the pedestals of arrogance that divide us, so that we may meet one another in the humility that makes us brothers and sisters.
With the Mass falling on the eve of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus—to which all of Spain is consecrated—Pope Leo reminded the faithful that each person affords us an opportunity to grow in grace:
POPE LEO XIV
Therefore, let us look upon one another, not only on this day but always, with respect and trust, and let us renew, in this awareness, our commitment to complete in ourselves, through charity, what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ, for the good of the Church.
An estimated 35,000 people gathered at the stadium for Mass with the pope on the last full day of his 6-day trip to Spain. A large statue of Our Lady of Candelaria, who is the patroness of the Canary Islands, stood right by the main altar during the liturgical celebration.
