Spain's volcanic Canary Islands have long been on many people's bucket lists, but in 2026, it may be time to put this destination on hold.

With Pope Leo XIV set to visit the Canary Islands – a major entry point for migrants entering Europe – during his trip to Spain in June, the local bishop has warned that both sides of the political aisle use immigration to further their own aims.

In the Atlantic, Spain’s Canary Islands are destinations for thousands of migrants seeking asylum in Europe. It’s a dangerous, desperate journey — many have died trying to reach European shores. Fellows from the University of British Columbia's Global Reporting Program visited the island and worked with special correspondent Malcolm Brabant on this report.

The Vatican released the official schedule for Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic visit to Spain, a seven-day trip that will take the pontiff to Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands for meetings with Spain’s royal family and political leaders, as well as migrants, prisoners, young people and Catholic communities across the country.