Tenerife: Pope Leo XIV concluded his Apostolic Journey to Spain on Saturday with a Mass at the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, calling on Christians to open their hearts to the boundless love of Christ and to build stronger bonds of fraternity with one another.
Against the striking backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, Pope reflected on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, describing it as the center of human history where the hopes, joys, sorrows and struggles of all people find meaning. He reminded the faithful that human beings are created for relationships and cannot live in isolation.
“No human being is an island,” the Pope said, urging people to move beyond self interest and embrace a life of openness toward God and others.
During his homily, Pope Leo warned about the dangers of a society driven by speed, material success and profit. He said that many people risk becoming trapped in a way of life that appears active and productive but ultimately leaves little room for genuine human connection and spiritual growth.
Speaking in the Canary Islands, a region known for its strong tourism industry, the Pope encouraged residents and visitors alike to rediscover the importance of simplicity, gratitude and meaningful relationships. He stressed that true fulfillment comes not from what people accumulate but from what they share with others.
“There is life when you give life,” he told the congregation.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading, Pope Leo highlighted the special place of the poor and marginalized in God's plan. He said that throughout history, God has often revealed His presence through those whom society overlooks or considers insignificant.
Pope noted that the poor are not simply people in need of assistance. Rather, he said, they possess valuable wisdom and experiences that can help renew and strengthen the Church. Their lives and struggles can become a source of spiritual learning for all believers.
Migration was another major theme of Pope's final public address in Spain. The Canary Islands have become a significant arrival point for migrants crossing the Atlantic Ocean, many of whom undertake dangerous journeys in search of safety and better opportunities.
Acknowledging the hardships faced by migrants, including exploitation by human traffickers, Pope Leo called on Christians to respond with compassion and solidarity. He said that welcoming newcomers should go beyond providing material assistance and should involve building genuine relationships based on dignity and fraternity.
Pope also challenged local communities to allow themselves to be enriched and transformed by encounters with migrants. He suggested that the experiences of people who endure hardship often carry important lessons for societies that can become focused on comfort and individual interests.
As he brought his homily to a close, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to the people of the Canary Islands for their hospitality and spirit of welcome. He encouraged Christian communities to pay special attention to young people, vulnerable individuals, the poor, the wealthy, local residents and visitors alike.
Quoting the First Letter of John, he reminded the faithful that “God is love” and urged them to help others discover what he described as the “ocean of love” found in the Heart of Christ.
At the end of the Mass, Pope thanked all those who had contributed to the success of his visits to Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat and the Canary Islands.
“I return to Rome deeply moved by the great affection that has surrounded me,” Pope Leo said. He added that he was encouraged by the strong faith and love for the Church that he witnessed throughout Spain, describing them as signs of the nation's enduring Catholic heritage.