Speaking in Tenerife, one of the islands that has become a major route for irregular migration to Europe, the pope described integration as a “reciprocal journey” and called on migrants to learn local languages, respect laws, understand customs and participate in community life.

The pope also warned of what he called a “silent shipwreck” after migrants reach their destinations, saying some are left without support, social connections, work or security and become vulnerable to exploitation.

The visit marked the final day of a weeklong trip to Spain focused on migration issues. The leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics called for greater assistance for migrants and stronger action against human trafficking networks.

He urged those involved in trafficking people to “stop and repent,” drawing applause from the audience.

Tenerife and other Canary Islands have become a gateway for thousands of migrants attempting to reach Europe from Africa. The route across the Atlantic has been among the world’s most dangerous migration paths.

Earlier in the visit, Leo condemned indifference toward migrants and honored those who died attempting the journey by casting a wreath into the sea at the port of Arguineguin.

“Human dignity has no passport,” he said while blessing a wooden cross made from material taken from a migrant boat.

The International Organization for Migration reported that nearly 1,200 people died or went missing while traveling from Africa to the Canary Islands last year.

The pope said the deaths should prompt governments in countries of origin and transit to address the conditions that push people to flee poverty and conflict, while also confronting trafficking groups.

Leo is scheduled to travel to Rome after the visit and is expected to speak with reporters during the journey. He is also set to visit Italy’s Lampedusa island on July 4, another major arrival point for migrants entering Europe.

The document, titled Magnifica Humanitas, is the first encyclical of the American-born pontiff and outlines a comprehensive ethical framework for the governance of artificial intelligence. Leo argued that governments, technology companies and society must ensure that AI serves humanity rather than concentrated political, military or commercial interests.

The publication had been closely anticipated since the pope declared shortly after his election that artificial intelligence represented the most significant challenge facing humanity. In the text, he warned against what he described as a “culture of power” driving the global race to develop increasingly sophisticated AI systems.

Leo directed particular criticism at the use of AI in warfare, declaring that irreversible decisions involving the use of lethal force should never be delegated to autonomous systems. He argued that accountability for military actions must remain firmly in human hands and called for greater transparency in the development and deployment of AI-enabled weapons.

The encyclical also questioned whether traditional Catholic principles governing the ethical use of force remain adequate in an era of rapidly advancing military technologies.

Leo suggested that technological transformations in warfare require renewed moral reflection and updated international safeguards.Beyond security concerns, the pope warned about the concentration of data, wealth and influence among a small number of technology companies.

He argued that ethical commitments by private firms alone were insufficient and called for robust legal frameworks, independent oversight mechanisms and stronger democratic regulation.The Vatican formally presented the document at an event that included participation from representatives of anthropic, one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence companies.

The company’s involvement reflected the Vatican’s long-running engagement with Silicon Valley on the social and ethical implications of emerging technologies.Despite hosting technology executives, Leo repeatedly emphasized that public authorities must not abdicate responsibility for regulating AI.

He urged developers and policymakers to slow the pace of deployment when necessary and to prioritize the common good over commercial gain.The pope framed the AI revolution within the broader tradition of Catholic social teaching. He linked the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to those addressed in Rerum Novarum, the historic 1891 encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIII that examined workers’ rights and the social consequences of industrialization.

Signed on the 135th anniversary of that document, Magnifica Humanitas argues that AI raises comparable questions about labor, economic power and human dignity. Leo warned that the pursuit of efficiency and profit must not come at the expense of workers whose livelihoods could be displaced by automation.

Technology experts and scholars said the encyclical is likely to become an influential reference point in debates surrounding artificial intelligence governance. Taylor Black said the rapid evolution of AI was already prompting deeper questions about the meaning of human identity, while Paolo Carozza described the document as a potentially defining contribution to discussions about the relationship between technology and society.

The manifesto also contained a historic acknowledgment of the Catholic Church’s role in legitimizing slavery during earlier centuries of European expansion. Leo issued the first papal apology specifically addressing the Holy See’s involvement in granting rulers authority to subjugate and enslave non-Christians, extending the document’s focus beyond technology to broader questions of historical responsibility and human dignity.

The encyclical marks the most comprehensive intervention by the Vatican to date on artificial intelligence and places the Catholic Church at the center of a growing global debate over how emerging technologies should be governed as they reshape economies, societies and international security.

California Congressman Ro Khanna emphasized the growing bipartisan recognition that US policy on Israel needs reevaluation in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He urged Congress to acknowledge Palestinian aspirations and stressed that moral clarity must guide US foreign policy. Khanna noted that global consensus supports Palestinian statehood, while the US continues to lag behind international calls for justice.

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II spoke passionately about protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian support reaches those in need. He vowed not to accept campaign contributions from organizations funding ongoing violence and highlighted the local connection, noting that many families in Michigan’s Greater Detroit area have relatives affected by the conflict.

“Everyone deserves the right to safety, food, shelter, and a future free from violence,” Gilchrist said, earning a standing ovation. “These rights must be upheld both here in Michigan and around the world.”

The ADC honored activists and medical professionals, including Drs. Mohammed Mustafa and Mohammed Tahir, for their tireless efforts to save lives in Gaza under challenging conditions. Their stories underscored the urgent need for global attention, humanitarian aid, and advocacy for Palestinian civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly.

Panels at the convention explored the influence of social media on public opinion, challenges posed by algorithm-driven content moderation, and strategies to ensure accurate reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Discussions also covered student activism and campaigns supporting economic and diplomatic measures, including the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, highlighting the power of civic engagement in shaping US policy.

Former Wayne County Health Director Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a US Senate candidate, emphasized the role of citizens in promoting justice, human rights, and public accountability. He encouraged attendees to use advocacy and informed engagement to influence political decision-making and uphold the principles of equity and humanitarian responsibility.

The ADC convention underscored a growing commitment among American leaders and communities to defend human dignity, advocate for justice, and foster international dialogue. By combining activism, humanitarian action, and principled policymaking, the event demonstrated the power of the Arab-American community and its allies to drive meaningful change in US foreign policy and global awareness.

Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the ADC highlighted decades of advocacy and civil rights work, showcasing the organization’s ongoing dedication to amplifying critical voices and promoting solidarity, equity, and human rights worldwide.