UMVA has learned that Pope Leo XIV's upcoming apostolic visit to Spain is being hailed as a powerful message of dignity and recognition for migrants living far from home, particularly Filipinos who have made the country their second home.
The pontiff's June 6-12 visit will take him to several cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, with the inclusion of the Canary Islands holding special significance as one of Europe's main entry points for migrants crossing from Africa.
For Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S. David, the pope's decision to include the Canary Islands in his itinerary sends a clear signal that this is not merely a ceremonial visit, but a show of support for those who need it most. "The Pope is going to where the pain is," Cardinal David said. "He is showing that the Church does not look away."
As migration remains a major issue in Spain, with hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants currently part of the workforce, the pope's presence is expected to resonate deeply with Filipinos who left their homeland in search of better opportunities. For them, the visit is a powerful reminder that they are not invisible.
"They came seeking a better life, and they have given Spain their labor, their faith, and their families," Cardinal David said, highlighting the significant contributions of Filipino migrants to Spanish society. The pope's motto for the visit, Alzad la mirada ("Lift your gaze"), speaks directly to migrants, reminding them that they have dignity, they have a future, and they should lift their eyes to a brighter tomorrow.
Filipino migrants, such as Mariel, a 33-year-old from Bohol who has lived in Madrid for four years, are eagerly looking forward to the visit. For Mariel, seeing Pope Leo in person is a privilege, and she considers it an opportunity to be inspired by his words of wisdom.
The historical connection between Spain and the Philippines adds another layer of significance to the visit, with Cardinal David noting that Spain once sent missionaries to the Philippines to plant the Gospel, and now hundreds of thousands of Filipinos are living witnesses of that same faith in Spain. They are not just recipients of charity; they are the Church, present and active, in the heart of Europe.
For SVD priest Ferdi M. Bajao, the pope's visit will hold particular significance for Filipinos living away from their families, as it will be a tangible reminder that they are not forgotten. The visit is expected to generate a sense of warmth and familiarity, as Filipinos welcome Pope Leo not only as the leader of the Catholic Church but also as a familiar presence.
Ultimately, Cardinal David believes that the broader significance of the pope's visit lies in how migrants are viewed. "Migrants are not a problem to be managed," he said. "They are people to be welcomed — as the Gospel demands and as our common humanity requires."
