Minister Elma Saiz and Pope Leo XIV visit 'Las Raíces', one of Tenerife's First-Arrival Inclusion Centres

Minister Elma Saiz and Pope Leo XIV visited 'Las Raíces', a centre providing emergency humanitarian aid to people arriving on the coast. During her official visit, Elma Saiz also accompanied Pope Leo XIV to his meeting with migrants at the port of Arguineguín (Gran Canaria). The minister also visited several of the ministry's reception centres on the islands.

"At a time of global political turmoil, Spain is proving every day that it is a society deeply rooted in solidarity," said Elma Saiz, alongside Pope Leo XIV, at the 'Las Raíces' Emergency Reception and Referral Centre in Tenerife. "Our response to migration flows is based on a fundamental principle shared by His Holiness: ensuring that those who arrive in a situation of extreme vulnerability receive dignified and humane humanitarian care."

Minister Saiz and Pope Leo XIV toured the facilities at this first-point-of-entry centre, which opened in 2021 and has already assisted more than 54,000 people.

As well as seeing for themselves the work carried out at the centre, which is run by the organisation Accem, the minister and León XIV had the opportunity to speak with some of the service users.

"'Las Raíces' is a meeting place, a space where we offer a first chance from both an institutional and a human perspective," explain the staff: "We are talking about vulnerable people who are seeking a better future." As one of the women who arrived on the Canary Islands coast put it, "We are not asking for privileges or pity; we are asking for respect, humanity, and the chance to live with dignity."

In this regard, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the work being done with people arriving on the coast at centres such as 'Las Raíces'. He also expressed his gratitude for the joint efforts of institutions, organisations and volunteers in ensuring they were treated with dignity and provided with a place of initial shelter.

In her speech, the minister emphasised that "Spain is committed to a responsible migration policy that combines humanity with orderly management in order to uphold human rights." "We are aware that this is a global challenge that requires greater cooperation and shared responsibility, and for that reason we are grateful for the Holy Father's support and stance as a moral authority."

"Our immigration policy is guided by three principles: humanity, legality and coexistence. "We are a country of emigrants and also a country that welcomes immigrants," Saiz pointed out. "Millions of Spaniards were once forced to leave in search of work, freedom or a future. "And today, millions of people come to our country with that same hope: to contribute, to work, to build and to be part of it".

'Las Raíces' is the largest reception centre on the island of Tenerife and employs 600 staff whose main role is to provide basic food and accommodation for new arrivals and to offer professional support throughout their stay at the centre.

"Thanks to the collaboration between public authorities, social organisations and the public, we have made 'Las Raíces' a benchmark for reception and humanitarian care," said Minister Elma Saiz.

One of the specific objectives of 'Las Raíces' is to identify and address situations of particular vulnerability, such as gender-based violence. In addition, information, guidance, advice and social and technical support are provided in various areas, including legal, health and psychosocial support.

In addition, efforts are being made to help users acquire basic skills that will support their future integration and improve their emotional well-being, such as learning Spanish. To achieve this, workshops are organised that explore the dynamics of social inclusion.

The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration operates a network of emergency and reception facilities in the Canary Islands, managed by the State Secretariat for Migration. These facilities are mainly organised into First Reception Centres, such as 'Las Raíces', Temporary Reception Centres for Foreign Nationals (CATE) and Emergency Reception Centres (CAED).

Non official translation