Pope Leo XIV Arrives In Gran Canaria Under Massive Security Operation

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Gran Canaria escorted by National Police officers as authorities launched a major security operation to protect both the public and the pontiff.

The National Police mobilized 2,775 officers for the visit, with participation from the General Commissariat of Citizen Security, the Division of Operations and Digital Transformation, the General Commissariat of Information, and units deployed across the Canary Islands.

In Gran Canaria, where events are taking place on Thursday, June 11, the operation involves 1,465 officers, including 565 from the Las Palmas Provincial Police Station. A total of 141 vehicles are being used in the deployment.

For Tenerife, where events are scheduled for Friday, June 12, the National Police will deploy 1,310 officers. The force includes 500 officers from the Provincial Police Station in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and 260 officers transferred from Gran Canaria after the Pope’s public engagements on the island conclude. The Tenerife operation will include 134 vehicles.

The security deployment also incorporates technical services, video surveillance systems, telecommunications equipment, security arches and scanners, and aerial resources including helicopters, drones and anti-drone systems.

Specialized units taking part in the operation include GEO and GOES tactical teams, public order units (UIP), immediate protection teams assigned to His Holiness, as well as Citizen Security, Information and Judicial Police officers.