Pope Leo XIV’s Travel Hiccups in Spain

Pope Leo XIV faced travel troubles, but had a fortunate resolution, thanks to King Felipe VI of Spain. After deplaning following a technical glitch at Tenerife Norte-Los Rodeos International Airport, the pope was offered the use of King Felipe VI’s private jet.

Pope Leo’s charter flight, intended to return him to Rome after his Spanish visit, encountered engine issues, grounding the plane. King Felipe VI escorted Pope Leo to his Falcon jet, allowing him and his delegation to leave over three hours behind schedule.

This marked an unusual conclusion to his successful trip across Spain, including visits to Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. Highlights of the tour included his focus on migration issues and the inauguration of Sagrada Familia’s new tower.

The incident caused Iberia to dispatch another plane from Madrid for Vatican officials and journalists left behind. This mechanical problem represents a rare occurrence for papal flights, echoing past incidents during St. John Paul II’s pontificate.

Veteran Vatican reporters recalled plane-related challenges faced by former Pope, St. John Paul II. In 1986, his flight was diverted to Naples due to a snowstorm, and in 1988, bad weather redirected a plane intended for Lesotho to South Africa.

Typically, ITA Airways carries the pope on initial flights, while the national airline of the visited country returns him. Pope Leo’s recent flight was chartered with the pope, Vatican delegation, and security seated at the front, with journalists in coach.

Earlier in this trip, Iberia celebrated the pope’s journey, releasing footage of Pope Leo smiling from the cockpit as he traveled from Madrid to Barcelona, and then onward to the Canary Islands. Spanish military aircraft provided escort during this tour, showcasing respect for dignitaries. A clip shows Pope Leo waving to the accompanying pilot.