The historic visit of Pope Leo XIV to La Laguna will be preserved for future generations through a signed document that will become part of the city’s Municipal Archive, one of the most important civil archives in the Canary Islands.
The document was formally handed over to the City Council by Bishop Eloy Santiago four days after the Pontiff’s visit, ensuring that a lasting record of this unprecedented event remains in the municipality.
Signed During His Visit to the Bishop’s Palace
According to the City Council, Pope Leo XIV signed the commemorative sheet during a private meeting at Casa Salazar, the headquarters of the Diocese of Tenerife.
The signing took place after the Pope addressed crowds in Plaza del Cristo, travelled through the streets of La Laguna and greeted residents from the balcony of the Bishop’s Palace.
A New Piece of La Laguna’s History
The original document will now join the valuable collection preserved in the Municipal Archive, which houses some of the most important historical records in Tenerife’s history, including the original 1510 manuscript in which Queen Joanna of Castile (Juana la Loca) granted the city’s coat of arms.
The council also plans to create a facsimile copy to allow wider public access while protecting the original.
The text commemorates the Pope’s visit to the UNESCO World Heritage city and highlights the themes that defined his message in the Canary Islands, including:
🕊️ Human dignity
🤝 Welcome and integration of migrants
🌍 Peace as both a political aspiration and moral responsibility
A Gesture That Will Gain Historical Value
Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez described the document as an important addition to the city’s historical heritage.
“Today it may seem like a small gesture compared to the thousands of photographs, videos and news reports that documented the visit, but history shows that documents like this often become items of exceptional value for future generations,” he said.
Bishop Eloy Santiago also described the signed document as another chapter in the long history of La Laguna and expressed his pride at having witnessed such a significant moment for the city.
Gifts Exchanged During the Visit
While the Pope left behind his signed document, he also received two symbolic gifts from La Laguna:
🔑 A silver Key to the World Heritage City
📜 A facsimile copy of the historic document through which Queen Joanna granted the city’s coat of arms
The gifts were intended to reflect La Laguna’s identity as an open, welcoming and internationally connected city.
A Visit That Left a Lasting Message
During his time in the Canary Islands, Pope Leo XIV repeatedly emphasised the importance of solidarity, human dignity and support for migrants, messages that local authorities say resonated strongly with La Laguna’s own values and history.
The signed document will now remain permanently preserved as a reminder of the first papal visit to the Canary Islands and one of the most significant moments in the city’s modern history.