Pope Leo Concludes Apostolic Journey in Tenerife
Pope Leo brought his Apostolic Journey to Spain to a close in the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, emphasizing that “no human being is an island.” With the stunning backdrop of the port and the waters of the Atlantic Oce…
Pope Leo brought his Apostolic Journey to Spain to a close in the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, emphasizing that “no human being is an island.” With the stunning backdrop of the port and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean glistening behind him, he reflected on his time in the Canary Islands during a homily.
In his address, Pope Leo invited the faithful to contemplate the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the center of human history—a point where the joys, hopes, sorrows, and anxieties of all people connect. He emphasized that the Christian life is a continuous journey towards others and toward God, warning against the pitfalls of a society consumed by haste, materialism, and the pursuit of profit. Such tendencies, he cautioned, risk trapping individuals in a “sterile dynamism.” In a region heavily reliant on tourism, he urged both locals and visitors to rediscover simplicity, gratitude, and the importance of human relationships over mere commerce. “There is life when you give life,” the Pope stressed.
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel, the Pope highlighted the privileged place of the marginalized in God’s plan, noting that divine revelation often manifests itself to those the world views as insignificant or powerless. He referenced his apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te, underscoring that the poor are not just recipients of charity but possess a wisdom that can evangelize the Church itself.
The Canary Islands serve as a crucial transit point for migrants crossing the Atlantic. During his homily, Pope Leo acknowledged the harsh realities migrants face, highlighting exploitation by human traffickers. He called on Christians to provide not only material aid but also genuine fraternity. The Pope challenged local communities to be transformed by their encounters with newcomers, indicating that the experiences of the poor and migrants can serve as a source of wisdom for societies often trapped in comfort and individualism.
Concluding his homily, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to the people of the Canary Islands for their spirit of welcome and commitment to fraternity. He urged Christian communities to pay special attention to the young, the vulnerable, and all individuals, regardless of their status. “God is love,” he reminded them, quoting the First Letter of John. Leo encouraged the faithful to assist others in discovering “the ocean of love” in the Heart of Christ, ensuring that no one feels excluded from the encounter with God and their brothers and sisters.
At the end of the Mass, the Pope offered thanks to God and to all who welcomed him and assisted in countless ways throughout his visits to Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat, and the Canary Islands. “I return to Rome deeply moved by the great affection that has surrounded me,” he said, “and comforted by the testimonies of faith and love for the Church, expressions of Spain’s great Catholic heart.”
