The Pope's stay in the Tenerife capital on June 12 mobilised 47,600 people and left an economic return of €5.71 million, according to a municipal study.
The visit of Pope Leon XIV to Santa Cruz de Tenerife not only left a profound spiritual mark but also a notable impact on the city's finances. A study conducted by the Development Society, under the Santa Cruz City Council, estimates the total economic effect of the Pontiff's visit on June 12 at €5.71 million. This figure includes €3.04 million in direct impact, €1.35 million in indirect impact, and €1.32 million in induced activity.
During his stay, the Tenerife capital became the epicentre of an event that gathered around 47,600 people, including worshippers, tourists, and members of the organisation. The municipal report highlights that the visit positioned Santa Cruz as an international stage for one of the most significant religious events in its recent history, with a projection that transcends the economic.
The Vatican's gratitude
The study comes after Leon XIV himself sent a letter to the bishop of the Nivariense Diocese, Eloy Santiago, to thank him for the apostolic journey to the islands. In the letter, the Holy Father emphasises the work of the local organising committee and all the faithful who participated in an event that the Diocese considers historic for the Church in the Canary Islands.
The Pope also highlighted the gestures of charity and service he witnessed during his time in Tenerife, especially at the migrant reception centre in Las Raíces, one of the most symbolic acts of his agenda. In conclusion, Leon XIV invoked the intercession of Our Lady of Candelaria to impart the Apostolic Blessing over the entire Archipelago.
A return greater than the cost
The economic dimension of the visit to Santa Cruz is framed within the overall balance of the Pope's trip to Spain. According to the Episcopal Conference, the total cost of the trip was around €25 million, with a projected return exceeding €150 million thanks to the activity generated in sectors such as hospitality, commerce, and transport.
The funding for the trip was distributed among various contributions: nearly 45% of the cost covered by private donations, around 30% borne by the dioceses, 20% from public administrations, and the rest through small collaborations. For the specific case of Santa Cruz, the councillor for Festivals and municipal delegate for the visit, Javier Caraballero, estimates that the city's effort, between his area and the Development Society, could be around €80,000.
For the residents of Santa Cruz, the impact translates into a direct injection into the local economy: full hotels, overflowing restaurants, and shops that saw an increase in sales during those days. The city also placed itself on the global map as a destination for high-profile events, a value that the City Council hopes to capitalise on in the future. The next local historical event will be the celebration of the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria on August 15, when many of the visitors are expected to return.
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