The bells of Santa Ana
One of the highlights of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the island of Gran Canaria will take place at the Cathedral of Santa Ana. On that day, all the bells of Vegueta will ring out, although it will be the Cathedral bells that the Pontiff will hear most clearly. These bells tell the story of the city, preserving its living memory and folklore, much like in José María Millares’ text Campanas de Vegueta, with their peals echoing towards the sea and recalling times gone by through the streets of the island’s founding neighbourhood. The bells that Leo XIV will hear on 11 June, during his visit to the Cathedral and overnight stay at the Bishop’s Palace, are the very same bells featured in Camille Saint-Saëns’ composition Les cloches de Las Palmas.

In Vegueta, the Pope will have the opportunity to wander through some of the most beautiful streets and squares on the island. He will also be able to explore Gran Canaria’s connection with Christopher Columbus at the Casa de Colón, located just behind the Cathedral of Santa Ana and next to the Ermita de San Antonio Abad, the very place where the city was founded.

He may also visit El Museo Canario to discover traces of the island’s ancient inhabitants and learn about some of Gran Canaria’s oldest and most recognisable traditions. Another charming stop could be the Solomon-style fountain in Plaza de Santo Domingo, beside the church that houses several works by the celebrated sculptor Luján Pérez. The bandstand in Plaza del Espíritu Santo, together with the striking historic houses surrounding the square, is certain to impress the Pontiff, just as it captivates the thousands of visitors who explore Vegueta every year. At the very edge of the historic neighbourhood, the Pope may choose to cross what was once the Guiniguada ravine and admire the grandeur and beauty of the historic district of Triana.

Faycán and the dogs of Santa Ana  
Right in front of the Cathedral, the Pope will encounter the famous dogs that have become part of the childhood memories of generations of children across the island. The cast-iron dogs of Plaza de Santa Ana will greet Robert Francis Prevost with raised heads, drooping ears and proud expressions. It could almost be said that there is not a single child on the island who has not climbed onto their backs at some point. Many will also know Faycán, the novel by Víctor Doreste, in which the Gran Canarian writer tells the story of one of these dogs magically coming to life and escaping to explore what was then the Guiniguada ravine, back when water still flowed just a few metres from the square. Today, the ravine still welcomes visitors into the capital, although to truly explore it you must head up towards the Pambaso area. From there, it is possible to walk all the way to the Jardín Canario or continue on towards Santa Brígida.

The stone palm trees of Santa Ana Cathedral  
Inside the Cathedral of Santa Ana, the Pope will be able to admire the stone palm trees decorating the vaulted ceilings, along with the many religious artworks displayed in the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, located within the peaceful Patio de los Naranjos. This journey through the Cathedral’s interior, together with the tranquillity of the Patio de los Naranjos, forms one of the defining features of a neighbourhood that has witnessed centuries of island history while preserving its essence and artistic heritage.

Visitors can also take the lift to the top of one of the Cathedral towers, where sweeping ocean views of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria unfold alongside the city’s iconic Riscos hillside neighbourhoods and, of course, the magnificent Plaza de Santa Ana below. From this vantage point, with panoramic views stretching across the city and the sound of the bells echoing through the air, Leo XIV will experience the magic of a city embracing this historic moment while revealing all its beauty.

To walk through Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is to step into a journey through time, following the paths of navigators and travellers who arrived here across the centuries. It is a meeting point of cultures and journeys – a destination where every visitor can discover their own sense of belonging. And yet, this feeling is not limited to the island’s capital alone. Every day in Gran Canaria is unforgettable: because of its landscapes, its villages, its architecture and its beaches. Those attending the events involving Pope Leo XIV on 11 June will forever remember where they were on that spring Thursday in 2026.

Welcome, Your Holiness!

More information about the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Gran Canaria:  
www.diocesisdecanarias.es 

Notice: 
If you are on the island on 11 and 12 June, please take the following into account:

Check traffic conditions in advance, as there may be road closures and restrictions.
Avoid unnecessary travel.
Use public transport wherever possible.

If you are travelling on 11 June or during the early hours of 12 June, please plan your journey to and from the airport well in advance.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.