‘Muelle de la Esperanza’ Renamed After Pope’s Visit, Commemorates Migrants
The port of Arguineguín in Gran Canaria has officially been renamed the ‘Muelle de la Esperanza’ (Dock of Hope) following Pope León XIV’s visit on June 11. This change serves as a reminder of the thousands of migrants whose rights were compromised at the port, which once saw over 2,600 individuals crowded together during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
At a recent event organised by the Diocese of the Canaries and Canarian Ports, memories were shared of the port previously known as “the dock of shame.” The new name represents a commitment to respect, solidarity, and the lives of those rescued or who arrived seeking better opportunities.
In August 2020, the plight of migrants became evident when 71 individuals landed at the port and faced dire conditions, with inadequate shelter provided by tents from the Red Cross. As numbers surged, makeshift accommodations faltered, leading to a critical overcrowding issue, where only 400 were meant to be housed.
Reports from that time indicated dire shortages of food and water, with some receiving only three sandwiches and packaged juices daily, and just under a litre of water per person. The situation, exacerbated by lack of hygiene facilities, eventually provoked public outcry and government intervention. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced the camp’s dismantling in November 2020.
The Pope’s visit underscored the human aspect of this crisis, emphasising that “they are not numbers or files; they are people, with families and homes left behind.” The Canarian Ports director, José Gilberto Moreno, highlighted that the new name is a declaration of principles, honouring those lost at sea and those continuing to seek safety and opportunity along migratory routes.
A commemorative plaque and a wooden cross made from the remains of one of the migrant boats will serve as symbols of welcome, respect, and shared hope at the site.
