Pope Leo XIV thanked the people of the Canary Islands on Sunday, May 10, 2026, for allowing the cruise ship MV Hondius to dock [1].
The gesture is significant because the vessel was the site of a hantavirus outbreak, creating a potential public health risk for the region. By permitting the ship to arrive, the islands provided critical access to medical care and safety for those on board.
Speaking from Vatican City, the Pope said he was grateful for "la acogida que caracteriza al pueblo de las Islas Canarias," or the welcome that characterizes the people of the Canary Islands [1]. The pontiff highlighted the humanitarian spirit of the local population in facing a medical crisis.
The MV Hondius carried 147 people [4]. According to reports, the outbreak resulted in at least eight confirmed infections [5] and three deaths [2]. The situation necessitated an emergency response to manage the health of the passengers and crew.
To mitigate the risk of further spread, more than 75 passengers were evacuated from the vessel [6]. The coordination between maritime authorities and local health officials allowed the ship to dock safely, while ensuring that infected individuals received necessary treatment.
The hantavirus is a severe respiratory illness, and the decision to allow the ship to dock was met with a mixture of caution and compassion. The Pope said the hospitality shown by the islands served as an example of solidarity during a time of fear and illness [1].
“the welcome that characterizes the people of the Canary Islands”
The Pope's public acknowledgement elevates a local public health decision into a moral example of global solidarity. By praising the Canary Islands for prioritizing humanitarian aid over isolation, the Vatican is signaling a preference for compassionate intervention in the face of infectious disease outbreaks, provided they are managed by health authorities.
