Pope León XIV denounces migrant 'cemeteries without headstones' at Canary Islands dock once called a 'pier of shame'

Pope León XIV brought his visit to Spain to a close at the Arguineguín dock on Gran Canaria, a site that became notorious in 2020 when thousands of migrants were left stranded in squalid conditions during the pandemic, earning it the name 'the pier of shame'. The pontiff fulfilled a wish of his predecessor, Francis, who had planned to visit but died before he could make the trip. Standing before around 1,800 guests, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo, the Pope listened to survivors, rescuers, and volunteers before delivering a forceful address on the human cost of the Atlantic migration route.

Harrowing testimonies from the Atlantic route

The event was punctuated by personal accounts. A Nigerian woman, a victim of human trafficking, told the Pope how she was forced to choose between a life of suffering and a deadly sea crossing. She became pregnant during the journey by a man linked to criminal networks. Upon reaching Spain, her baby was taken from her to coerce her into prostitution. Another migrant, originally from Peru, recounted arriving in Spain three decades ago with nothing and eventually building her own business. Tito Villarmea, a captain with the Spanish maritime rescue service Salvamento Marítimo, stated that his team had rescued over 20,000 people at sea, a figure he described as painful and unforgettable.

“Queridos migrantes, antes de decir nada, quiero inclinarme ante su dignidad.”

A call for a European 'examination of conscience'

The Pope directed his message squarely at political leaders, urging them to hear the voices of those who had spoken. He called for a broad 'examination of conscience' targeting nations of origin, transit countries, and Europe itself. He argued that Europe cannot proclaim human dignity while becoming accustomed to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic serving as 'cemeteries without headstones'. He insisted that human dignity does not require a passport and does not lose value when crossing a border.

“Europa no puede proclamar la dignidad humana y acostumbrarse a que el Mediterráneo y el Atlántico sean cementerios sin lápidas.”

Condemnation of trafficking networks

León XIV condemned what he called 'industries of death' and the 'monsters' that stalk the seas, referring to mafias that traffic in desperation and exploit women and children. He warned migrants not to trust those who promise easy paradises in exchange for their bodies, money, silence, or freedom. The Pope also addressed the indifference of those who allow the poor to be swallowed by exploitation or neglect, insisting that the Church cannot turn away from these docks where human suffering demands a response.

“No entreguen su existencia a quienes comercian con ella.”

Political friction over 'national priority' policies

The Pope's message landed amid political tension in Spain. The conservative Partido Popular (PP) attempted to balance support for the pontiff with its 'national priority' policy, which prioritizes Spanish citizens over migrants. PP spokesperson Ester Muñoz stated the party agreed that anyone arriving in Spain should be received with full dignity. However, Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso argued the Pope's speech was global and not directed at Spaniards. This stance contrasts with the Pope's explicit call for non-discrimination and welcome, principles that critics say clash directly with the 'national priority' framework agreed upon by the PP and the far-right Vox party.

Looming EU migration pact and local warnings

The visit occurred one day before the European Union's new Pact on Migration and Asylum is set to enter into force on 12 June 2026. NGOs including CEAR, Save the Children, and Médecins Sans Frontières have warned the pact will be 'devastating', anticipating more people trapped, detained, and deprived of protection. Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo expressed hope that the Pope's message would prevent a repeat of the 2020 'pier of shame' scenes, warning that the new EU pact moves in the opposite direction of sensible border management and could lead to a similar crisis. Last year, nearly 1,200 migrants died or disappeared on the route to the Canary Islands, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).