The interview granted by the Bishop of Tenerife, Monsignor Eloy Santiago, to Vatican media outlets following the visit of Leo XIV to the Canary Islands constitutes one of the most explicit episcopal positions in recent months on the migration issue.
Throughout the conversation, the prelate not only gives a positive assessment of the apostolic visit, but also takes the opportunity to defend a certain view of immigration and to criticize some political positions that he considers incompatible with human dignity.
The bishop begins by describing the papal visit as «a moment of grace and of blessing» that, according to him, was even experienced by people far removed from Catholic faith. «The Pope is seen as an international reference who is in favor of peace and human dignity», he states.
However, the core of the interview is focused on immigration. Santiago in particular praises the Pope’s call for the conversion of human traffickers. «I hope it reaches the hearts of these people who are able to exploit the vulnerability of others to gain profit», he asserts.
And adds: «How many lives are lost because of these economic interests that profit from another’s suffering. How many people are treated as objects and not as people».
The bishop also focuses on the reality of the reception center at Las Raíces, in Tenerife, where Leo XIV held a meeting with migrants. Far from considering these facilities a solution, he expresses a desire that is striking in its scope: «I hope that es<|eos|>