Repent Now or Face Divine Justice: Pope Leo XIV Warns Migrant Traffickers in Canary Islands

Pope Leo XIV delivered one of the strongest messages of his papacy on migration, warning human traffickers and smugglers operating routes to Europe that they must stop exploiting vulnerable people, repent, and face accountability before God. Speaking during the final day of his week-long visit to Spain’s Canary Islands, the Pope declared that those profiting from human suffering would ultimately answer before divine justice .

Addressing aid groups and migrants in Tenerife, Leo condemned criminal networks that organise dangerous Atlantic crossings from West Africa, charge thousands of euros, confiscate documents, and subject migrants to exploitation. He urged traffickers to “Stop. Repent,” adding that money earned from the vulnerability of the poor would bring neither peace nor honour. He also appealed to them to break the chains of those they hold in bondage and make amends for the harm caused.

The Pope's visit focused global attention on the Canary Islands, one of Europe’s busiest migration gateways. While arrivals have fallen sharply from the record 46,843 recorded in 2024, the route remains among the world’s deadliest. More than 3,000 migrants were reported dead or missing while attempting the crossing in 2025, according to humanitarian groups.

Leo reiterated that migrants have both the right to flee war, poverty and climate crises and the right to stay home if governments create safe economic opportunities. He warned against a “silent shipwreck” in which migrants survive the sea only to face abandonment after arrival.

The trip also carried major symbolism. Leo threw flowers into the Atlantic at the “Dock of Shame,” echoing Pope Francis’ famous 2013 gesture in Lampedusa. He became the first pope to visit the Canary Islands migration hotspot and is expected to continue highlighting the issue during a planned visit to Lampedusa on July 4.