Pope Leo XIV Calls for Dignity and Rights for Migrants in Spain

Pope Leo XIV visited the port of Arguineguín in the Canary Islands, urging countries to uphold the rights of migrants. Historically, this port was a hotspot in Europe’s migration debate.

In 2020, Arguineguín earned the nickname “dock of shame” due to the poor conditions endured by migrants during a surge in arrivals. Making a passionate appeal, Leo stated, Human dignity has no passport and does not lose its value when crossing a border. Standing in view of rescue ships and a cross made from a shipwrecked boat, he emphasized the need to respect migrant dignity.

Leo is in the Canary Islands during the final days of his weeklong tour of Spain. The archipelago is a key route for migrants from West Africa making a dangerous Atlantic crossing. His visit fulfills Pope Francis’ wish to honor the thousands who have died at sea.

In a symbolic gesture, reminiscent of one by Francis in 2013, Leo threw flowers into the sea alongside two migrants. This act took place in Arguineguín, once notorious for poor migrant conditions. In 2020, migrants slept on the dock for weeks without proper facilities, prompting government intervention to relocate them to hotels.

During his visit, Leo sat under a shaded platform and listened to the experiences of rescue and humanitarian workers. One Nigerian trafficking victim shared her story. A nearby banner renamed the area from the “dock of shame” to “Dock of Hope.”

Leo publicly acknowledged the dignity of migrants, bowing his head and addressing the trafficked women, assuring them of their worth beyond being commodified. He emphasized the need for origin and transit countries to improve conditions to prevent migration and protect migrants from exploiters.

In one of his most compelling speeches on migration, Leo outlined the rights of migrants but did not address nations’ rights to control borders. He stressed that Christians should not ignore the suffering of migrants, declaring, Every individual that arrives asks us what remains of our humanity.

Mame Amandou Neang, a 56-year-old migrant from Senegal, felt hopeful about Leo’s visit, wishing for relief from their hardships. Since 2014, the International Organization of Migration has recorded 6,600 deaths on the Atlantic route from West Africa. Estimates suggest this figure is much higher due to unreported incidents.

Following in Francis’ footsteps, Leo prioritizes the dignity of migrants. Next month, he will visit Lampedusa, where Francis condemned global indifference to migrant suffering.