Pope Leo Warns Human Traffickers to Repent or Face Divine Justice In Canary Islands

Pope Leo issued a strong warning to human traffickers exploiting migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings into Europe via Spain’s Canary Islands, urging them to “stop and repent” during his visit on Friday. The statement came on the final day of his week-long tour of Spain, where he has repeatedly highlighted the need for humane treatment of migrants. The pope directly addressed criminal groups accused of organising dangerous migration routes across the Atlantic. His remarks were delivered during meetings and public engagements on the island of Tenerife.

In his address, Pope Leo said he specifically wanted to speak to those who “take advantage of peoples’ desperation” and operate what he described as “death routes.” He warned traffickers that they would ultimately be held accountable for every life lost and every family destroyed. “Stop. Repent,” he said, emphasising that individuals involved in such crimes would face divine judgement. The pope also invoked Catholic teachings, stressing that repentance and accountability were necessary before death.

The Canary Islands remain one of the main entry points into Europe for migrants, many of whom undertake perilous journeys in overcrowded and unsafe boats. Located more than 1,000 km from mainland Spain, the archipelago has seen a significant rise in irregular migration in recent years. Authorities and aid groups say thousands of people risk their lives annually while attempting the crossing from West Africa toward European territory. Many of these journeys are facilitated by smuggling networks that exploit instability and poverty.

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According to official data and reports cited by humanitarian organisations, migration to the islands surged sharply in recent years, with tens of thousands arriving annually. In 2025 alone, more than 3,000 people were reported to have died attempting the Atlantic crossing, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian crisis. Europol has also warned that trafficking networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using digital tools and adapting their operations to exploit vulnerable groups, including displaced women and refugees.

During his Spain tour, Pope Leo also met migrant aid organisations and heard testimonies from survivors of dangerous journeys. He previously addressed the Spanish parliament and visited Barcelona, where he inaugurated a new spire of the Sagrada Familia. His visit drew large crowds across multiple cities, with millions participating in public events. On Friday, he visited a migrant reception centre in Tenerife that has supported tens of thousands of arrivals since 2021.

Spain has maintained a relatively open migration policy compared with other European countries, including programmes aimed at granting residency to undocumented migrants. However, the approach has sparked political debate within the country and across the European Union, especially as the EU’s revised Migration Pact comes into force. As Pope Leo concluded his visit, he reiterated that global leaders must respond to migration with dignity and urgency, warning that history would judge those who ignore the suffering of displaced people.

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