Lorraine Williamson
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Canary Islands is now underway, with major traffic restrictions affecting Gran Canaria today and further disruption expected in Tenerife on Friday.
The Pope arrived in Gran Canaria on Thursday morning, beginning the final stage of his visit to Spain after earlier stops in Madrid and Barcelona. His Canary Islands programme carries both religious and social significance, with events focused on migration, public gatherings and large-scale Masses.
Gran Canaria faces the first major disruption
The Dirección General de Tráfico has asked drivers in Gran Canaria and Tenerife to avoid all non-essential journeys during the visit. A special traffic regulation and monitoring plan has been prepared because of the security operation and the expected movement of large crowds.
In Gran Canaria, restrictions are affecting key routes including the GC-1, GC-3 and GC-31. The measures include dynamic road closures, closure of slip roads and restrictions linked to the Pope’s official movements between the airport, Arguineguín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the main event areas.
The DGT says the measures may be lifted, extended or changed depending on how the visit develops and how traffic behaves in real time. Drivers are being urged to check official updates before travelling.
Pope uses first public act to speak about migration
The Pope’s first public act in Gran Canaria took place in the port of Arguineguín, one of the symbolic points of Spain’s migration route across the Atlantic.
During his address, Pope Leo XIV spoke about the drama of migration and called for stronger responsibility from countries of origin, transit and destination. He warned that Europe cannot become accustomed to the sea becoming a “cemetery without gravestones”.
The location was significant. Arguineguín has received thousands of migrants arriving by small boats in recent years, making it one of the places most closely associated with the Canary Islands migration crisis.
Large crowds expected in Las Palmas
After Arguineguín, the Pope’s programme continues in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where large crowds are expected around the city’s historic areas and the main religious events.
Authorities in Gran Canaria have prepared reinforced public transport, controlled access points and large parking areas for people attending official events. More than 70,000 people are expected at the Mass in the Gran Canaria stadium, according to local reports.
Officials have asked people travelling to the events to use public transport where possible, leave extra time and avoid attempting to drive close to restricted zones.
Tenerife next on Friday
The disruption will move to Tenerife on Friday, 12 June, when Pope Leo XIV is due to continue his Canary Islands programme.
The DGT has listed traffic measures affecting several roads on the island, including the TF-1, TF-2, TF-4, TF-5, TF-13, TF-24, TF-152 and TF-235 during different parts of the day.
Morning restrictions are expected around routes connected with La Laguna and northern access points, with further measures later in the day around Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The DGT has also said the right-hand lane of the TF-4 in both directions will be removed from general traffic use between 6.00 am and 6.00 pm so it can be used as a reserved parking area for authorised vehicles and buses.
Goods vehicles face restrictions
The DGT has also introduced restrictions for goods vehicles and vehicles carrying dangerous goods during the papal visit.
Goods vehicles weighing more than 7,500 kilograms are banned from certain affected roads during specific periods. The restrictions apply to routes in both Gran Canaria and Tenerife, including parts of the GC-1, GC-3 and GC-31, as well as the TF-1, TF-2, TF-4 and TF-5.
Vehicles carrying dangerous goods and displaying orange ADR panels also face restrictions on listed roads during the affected periods. Some exemptions apply for essential services, including emergency vehicles, roadside assistance, healthcare gases and fuel supplies for key services.
Roadworks affecting carriageways or nearby traffic zones have also been suspended on key roads during the visit to reduce disruption.
What residents and visitors should do
The DGT’s advice is straightforward: avoid unnecessary journeys, use public transport where possible and allow extra time if travel is unavoidable.
Anyone with flights, ferry crossings, work commitments, hospital appointments or other essential journeys should check traffic information before leaving and avoid relying on normal journey times.
The visit is historic for the Canary Islands, but for residents and visitors it also means two days of exceptional disruption. Gran Canaria is affected today. Tenerife should prepare for the main impact on Friday.