Pope Leo XIV warns migrant traffickers, urges integration in Canary Islands
newsJun 12, 202624544
On June 11, 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited the Arguineguín port in Tenerife and directly warned migrant traffickers to "stop, repent or face God's wrath," condemning the exploitation of desperate people. He renewed vocal support for migrants, urged newcomers to integrate into local communities, and pressed governments to establish legal migration pathways and stronger reception systems. About 40,000 people attended a Mass during the visit, which fulfilled a wish of Pope Francis, and the pope admonished leaders for ignoring migrant deaths as EU border deals reshape arrivals, a call aimed at protecting lives and curbing trafficking.