The Pope at his last Mass in Spain: «I return to Rome comforted by the testimonies of faith and love for the Church».»

In celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his last Mass in Spain, in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Thus, his homily began by giving thanks «for the faith and charity of which I have received so many testimonies in this apostolic journey»He concluded the Eucharist with a few words to all Spaniards.

Before the Mass, Leo XIV traveled through part of the port area in a popemobile, greeting the thousands of faithful gathered. The altar was presided over by the Christ of La Laguna and the patroness of the Canary Islands, The Virgin of Candelaria, devotions that are rarely exhibited together. One of the most significant elements of the stage were three canoes placed next to the liturgical area, as a reminder of the thousands of people who have arrived to the Canary Islands crossing one of the most dangerous migratory routes in the world. Their silent presence accompanied the entire celebration.

The Eucharist was also attended by a large number of faithful from the different islands of the archipelago. Marcos, a young man from El Hierro, proclaimed the first reading; Inés, from Tenerife, gave voice to the responsorial psalm; the second reading was given by María José, a native of La Palma and consecrated in the Order of the Virgins; while the Gospel was proclaimed by the permanent deacon Alejandro Manuel. In this way, the liturgy reflected the diversity of the diocese of Nivar and the insular character of a Church called to live communion and encounter.

Pope Leo XIV wanted to dedicate a few words to the people of the Canary Islands: «Thank you for what you are and for what you do, making this island a place where the heart of Christ can be found in the friendly and hospitable face of fraternal people and communities».

«Not reducing everything to trade and profit»

From the very beginning of his homily, Leo XIV placed the solemnity of the Sacred Heart as an invitation to contemplate God's love for humanity. The Pope used the image of the sea and the sky to speak of the infinite longing that dwells in the human heart and finds an answer in God: «this is the secret of the heart: the intimate call to exodus and encounter».

He recalls, from the first moment, the need to give one's life for God, for the other: «there is life when life is given. Otherwise, one turns into emptiness». Thus, as the Council says, the human being is called to communion with God and “cannot find his own fullness except in the sincere giving of himself»(Magnifica humanitas, 48). The Pontiff affirmed that «no human being is an island» and stressed that every person is called to encounter others.

The Pope stressed the importance of «not reducing everything to commerce and profit,» recalling the words of his predecessor: «Those who enjoy more and live better every moment are those who stop pecking here and there, always looking for what they do not have, and experience what it is to value each person and each thing, learn to make contact and know how to enjoy the simplest things. In this way they are able to diminish unsatisfied needs and reduce fatigue and obsession» (Laudato si', 223). In this way, dear brothers and sisters, interpret your vocation to welcome».

The wealth of the poor

Referring to the Gospel, the Pope spoke about the paradox of the wealth of the poor. They «have learned many things that they keep in the mystery of their hearts. Those among us who have not experienced similar situations, of a life lived on the edge, surely have much to draw from that source of wisdom which is the experience of the poor. Only by comparing our complaints with their sufferings and deprivations is it possible to receive a reproach that invites us to simplify our lives« (Dilexi te, 102).

The Pontiff then invited us to allow ourselves to be evangelized by those whom we help, «that we may recognize the mysterious wisdom of God written in his very flesh».

The Pope calls once again for mission: «pay attention to adolescents and young people, to the rich and the poor, to residents and guests: all of them need to be known with a gaze that looks beyond appearances and recognizes the depth of their restless hearts, which not infrequently is already oriented, perhaps unconsciously, towards the Kingdom of God and his justice. May it be breathed among you that «God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God and God abides in him» (1 Jn 4,16)».

His message concluded with an invitation to immerse oneself in the heart of the Gospel, the heart of Christ. For «those who immerse themselves in it no longer live for themselves»: «Open to all this sea of love! It is my wish and my prayer for you and for all those you meet on your way». 

The Eucharist

The celebration was presided over by various signs linked to the history and spirituality of the Canary Islands. Next to the image of Our Lady of Candelaria were placed the relics of the two great Canarian saints: Saint Brother Pedro -of whom this year marks the fourth centenary of his birth- and Saint Joseph of Anchieta, a missionary from La Laguna known as the Apostle of Brazil.

The solemnity was prepared for weeks by numerous communities of the diocese. Among other works, the Poor Clare nuns of the Monastery of Santa Clara de La Laguna made the altar cloth and elaborated about 40,000 forms for the communion of the faithful. The distribution of the Eucharist was carried out by some 300 extraordinary ministers spread throughout the port area.

Before the end of the celebration there was also a symbolic moment. The chalice used by Leo XIV during the Eucharist was given as a pontifical gift to the Diocese of San Cristobal de La Laguna and received by Bishop Eloy Alberto Santiago Santiago, becoming from now on a historical piece linked to the first visit of a Pope to the diocese of Nivar.

The bishop appreciates an historic visit

The bishop of the diocese of San Cristobal de La Laguna, Eloy Alberto Santiago Santiago, thanked the Pontiff for his presence in a historic visit: the first visit by a Pope to the diocese of Nivar in its two centuries of existence.

The prelate highlighted the strategic position of the Canary Islands as a meeting point between Europe, America and Africa, and reaffirmed the commitment of the local Church with the poor, the migrants, the social fraternity and the care of creation.

In a particularly moving moment, he assured that the people of the Canary Islands already consider Leon XIV as «one of our own» and affirmed that «in these islands he will always have his home».

Pope's last words to Spaniards

Before the end of the Holy Mass, Pope Leo dedicated some final words to the Spanish people:

«Brothers and sisters, this Eucharistic celebration concludes my apostolic journey to Spain. I thank God and all those who have welcomed me and who in a thousand ways have collaborated in the preparation and realization of the various moments in Madrid, Barcelona and Montserrat and here in the Canary Islands. I return to Rome moved by the great affection with which I was received and comforted by the testimonies of faith and love for the Church, expressions of the great Catholic heart of Spain.

From this port that bears the name of the Holy Cross, my thoughts extend to the whole world and its wounds that cause entire peoples to suffer. I would like to repeat to all of you the motto of this journey: Lift up your eyes! Yes, let us turn our gaze to Christ crucified.

Her heart is the source of mercy, the only one that can save humanity in need of forgiveness, of reconciliation, in order to achieve true and lasting peace. Let us raise our eyes as Mary did, the mother of all those who suffer, and guided by her, let us take up again the path with hope. Dear brothers and sisters, thank you from the bottom of our hearts, let us remain united in prayer and communion in Christ and in the Holy Church».

Farewell Papa Leon. As we Spaniards say: «we love you very much».