Bakary Jaiju left the Gambia at age 19 aboard a wooden vessel bound for Europe. The crossing lasted seven terrifying days while food and water supplies dwindled steadily.

"You cannot rest because you might tumble overboard," he remembered after arriving in Tenerife toward the end of last year in pursuit of improved prospects.

"I chose to depart regardless of survival because I want better conditions for my family," Jaiju explained, describing how he left his spouse and infant to face the hazardous Atlantic waters.

Since his arrival hundreds more have perished attempting the same route in recent months.

Pope Leo intends to draw attention to these experiences and the accounts of successful arrivals during his visit to the Spanish archipelago that starts on Thursday.

His emphasis stands in contrast to widespread discussion of a migration emergency and claims of ideological encroachment.

UNHCR figures indicate sea arrivals to Spain have dropped markedly this year owing to heightened patrols near West Africa supported by the EU.

Nevertheless attempts continue and fatalities persist.

The Pope will urge creation of secure legal channels into Europe while advocating humane treatment and dignified reception for individuals who rely on smugglers and travel in rudimentary craft.

In Gran Canaria he will cast flowers upon the sea to honor those lost including entire groups that vanished without record.

Bakary Jaiju counts himself fortunate after his vessel carrying roughly 160 passengers including women and children avoided intensified naval presence near Mauritania and Senegal before running out of fuel and receiving rescue near El Hierro.

He endured three harsh months in a Tenerife reception facility before entering a program to study Spanish and secure legal status on the island.

Padre Pepe a local priest in casual attire leads the initiative after noticing rising numbers of young arrivals who lose support upon reaching adulthood.

"The streets will consume them as they become vulnerable targets," he observed.

His Good Samaritan Foundation provides housing and training sessions for around 170 young men and maintains that employment opportunities abound for those integrated properly.

"It is difficult to grasp why hearts remain so closed," the priest remarked regarding hardening European views on arrivals. "Proper integration brings only benefits."

Jaiju benefits from a temporary Spanish policy allowing pre-December arrivals to seek residence and work authorization.

Padre Pepe staff assist applicants in completing forms ahead of deadlines amid opposition criticism that labels the measure irresponsible and contrary to EU standards.

Authorities defend the approach as addressing labor shortages in an aging population with firms in Gran Canaria now training and hiring participants for roles such as vehicle repair.

One workshop supervisor noted initial backlash over perceived job competition yet reported positive outcomes with participants sending remittances home.

Hotel groups and other businesses have joined similar efforts as a new EU agreement effective this week emphasizes faster returns and detention measures.

Island officials warn that stricter policies ignore local workforce gaps in tourism construction and transport sectors.

"We require policies enabling safe work options from African nations rather than barriers and expulsions," stated one regional minister.