Pope Urges Migrant Traffickers to Repent or Face Divine Judgment

WHO:

AP News - Pope Leo XIV warned people smugglers.

AP News - The pope met with humanitarian aid organizations.

AP News - A woman named Bousso Diouf shared her story with the pope.

WHAT:

AP News - Pope Leo XIV demanded traffickers stop and repent for exploiting migrants.

AP News - The pope emphasized the dignity and rights of migrants during his visit.

AP News - Migrant arrivals in the Canary Islands peaked in 2024 at nearly 47,000, with over 3,000 arriving in the first five months of 2026.

AP News - The pope stated, “Break those chains and free those you hold in bondage.”

AP News - The pope warned traffickers they will face divine justice for their actions.

WHERE:

AP News - The events took place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, specifically at the ‘Las Raices’ center.

AP News - The Canary Islands are a key entry point for migrants from West Africa to Europe.

WHEN:

AP News - The pope's visit to the Canary Islands occurred over a two-day period.

AP News - The pope will spend U.S. Independence Day on July 4 at Lampedusa.

WHY:

AP News - The pope aimed to draw attention to the plight of migrants and the need for their integration into society.

AP News - The pope's visit was to commemorate the thousands of lives lost at sea and to address anti-migrant sentiment in Europe.

HOW:

AP News - The pope delivered his message during a meeting with humanitarian aid organizations.

AP News - The pope's flight back to Rome was delayed due to a technical problem with the plane.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 17:55 UTC)

Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong warning to people smugglers, demanding they stop exploiting migrants and repent for their actions during his recent visit to the Canary Islands, where he emphasized the dignity and rights of those seeking refuge. At the 'Las Raices' center in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the pope met with humanitarian aid organizations and listened to the story of a woman named Bousso Diouf, highlighting the urgent need for the integration of migrants into society. He stated, “Break those chains and free those you hold in bondage,” while also reminding traffickers that they will face divine justice for their actions, as he prepares to spend U.S. Independence Day on July 4 at Lampedusa.