The Pope hasn’t arrived yet… but the work behind the scenes has been going on for months.
As the Canary Islands prepare for Pope Leo XIV’s visit on 11 and 12 June, the spaces hosting the events in Tenerife and Gran Canaria are being designed with far more in mind than simply building a stage.
The message matters.
And in the Canaries, the sea sits right in the middle of it.
Tenerife: The Sea as Part of the Message
At the Port of Santa Cruz, architect Alejandro Beautell has designed the celebration space with the Atlantic as a backdrop.
Not hidden away.
Not blocked off.
Deliberately visible.
The open horizon reflects the migration reality the islands continue to live with, turning the sea itself into part of the event.
According to organisers, the Vatican specifically requested that the sea and port remain visible, especially in locations linked to migration routes.
The Pope’s position will face Santa Cruz, incorporating the city itself into the gathering.
The entire setting will also be visible from the seafront avenue.
Geometry, Faith and Temporary Architecture
Beautell’s design in Tenerife follows a geometric approach inspired by sacred architecture.
The layout uses:
• A Greek cross design within a square of black volcanic stone
• A central altar, seat and lectern arrangement
• An opening above the altar connecting visually with the sky
• Placement of the Cristo de La Laguna above the Pope
• The Virgin of Candelaria completing the symbolic composition
The aim, according to the architect, is creating permanence within something temporary.
Not just a stage… but a space with meaning.
Gran Canaria Goes Monumental
Meanwhile in Gran Canaria Stadium, the design becomes larger and more ceremonial.
Plans include:
• A large white vaulted roof over the altar
• Twelve arches representing the Apostles
• One central arch representing Christ
• Presence of the Virgin of Pino and the Christ of Telde
The technical side is being supported by Rafael Suárez, known locally for large-scale productions including Carnival events.
Apparently if you can survive Tenerife Carnival logistics… a papal visit feels manageable.
More Than Construction
For the architects involved, this is personal.
Gran Canaria architect Jorge Cerpa described the project as “a gift from God”, saying previous experiences at World Youth Days and the Rome Jubilee helped shape his understanding of these gatherings.
Tenerife architect Alejandro Beautell, meanwhile, has his own connection to faith and symbolism, even joking that he was practically destined for architecture after inheriting both the profession and the drawing skills from his father.
The Pope may still be weeks away.
But the islands are already preparing the welcome.