As per reports, a pre-alert status for mass gatherings has been declared in the Canary Islands effective from 1200 hours local time (1100 hours UTC) on Monday (27 April). The measure has been issued by the Directorate General of Emergencies as part of early preparedness planning for the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife in June.

• The decision follows a risk assessment aligned with the Canary Islands Territorial Emergency Plan for Civil Protection, known as Plateca. Authorities have initiated this phase to anticipate operational and logistical demands associated with a large-scale religious event expected to attract significant crowds across both island capitals.
• Regional authorities are convening coordination meetings under the Plateca Advisory Committee framework to align emergency, healthcare, and security services. Once the papal visit begins, the alert level is expected to be elevated to enhance surveillance and response readiness throughout the duration of the stay. The planning process is focused on crowd management, inter-agency coordination, and rapid emergency response capabilities.