Pope Leo XIV during his visit to the Canary Islands issued a stern warning to migrant traffickers, urging them to stop and repent or face divine punishment. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Speaking to migrants at the 'Las Raíces' reception center in Tenerife on June 12, 2026, the Pope said: 'You play with people's lives. You profit from their suffering. But you cannot fool God. His wrath awaits you. Stop, repent, or you will face eternal fire.'
The Pope's words came amid a sharp increase in the number of migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands across the Atlantic Ocean. According to the Spanish government, more than 22,000 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands in the first five months of 2026, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year.
Pope Leo XIV also highlighted the tragic fate of many migrants: 'Many die on the journey. Their families do not know they are missing. This is a shame for humanity.'
The Pope's visit to the Canary Islands took place from June 11 to 13, 2026, and was one of his first foreign trips since the start of his pontificate. During the visit, he met with migrants and learned about their living conditions.
The Pope's harsh words against migrant traffickers reflect the Vatican's stance on migration issues. Previous popes have also called for the protection of migrants and the observance of their rights.
Spanish authorities are taking additional measures to control the flow of migrants to the Canary Islands. However, humanitarian organizations are demanding improvements in the reception conditions for migrants.