Canary Islands in headlines: migrant boat capsizes near coast; Tenerife sees deadly incidents and repatriation flights. Archipelago off NW Africa; Spain’s southernmost autonomous community.
A bus carrying British tourists has fallen into a ravine on La Gomera, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. Emergency services are treating the injured, and investigations are ongoing into the cause, which is suspected to be brake failure. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon.
The MV Hondius outbreak has led to the repatriation of passengers by multiple countries. Seventeen Americans have been repatriated, with others evacuated to hospitals or quarantine facilities. The WHO warns the epidemic is not COVID-19, but officials urge caution as infections and evacuations continue.
The pope has begun a weeklong visit in Madrid, greeted by Spain’s Catholic royalty. He is meeting abuse-survivor groups and addressing the parliament as part of a broader effort to connect with young Catholics and European audiences amid ongoing clergy-crisis discussions.
Pope Leo XIV has addressed Spain’s parliament, urging leaders to end wars, protect migrants, and address the causes of migration amid renewed Israel–Iran hostilities. He warns of a spiritual crisis, defends religious freedom, and calls for safe, legal pathways for migration during his Spain visit.
Pope Leo XIV’s Spain visit is underway with a mass in Madrid drawing about 1.2 million worshippers near Cibeles Square. The pope has urged inclusive values and support for migrants, while meetings with migrants, the homeless, and events in Barcelona and the Canary Islands are planned through June 12.
The Pope has urged leaders to show compassion toward migrants and refugees, stressing that dignity has no passport. He cites the Canary Islands and Arguineguin as symbols of a global conscience, calling for legal routes, cooperation against trafficking, and rescue funding. The remarks come as Europe tightens migration controls amid ongoing deaths at sea.