Pope Leo XIV returned to Rome aboard an aircraft graciously provided by King Felipe VI of Spain after a technical problem grounded the original papal plane. The Holy See Press Office announced on Telegram that the flight was scheduled to depart around 6:00 p.m. local time from Tenerife and arrive in Rome at approximately 11:00 p.m. Rome time. Holy See staff and journalists traveling with the papal flight returned on a separate aircraft provided by Iberia. The statement came after a technical issue with the engine of an Iberia Airbus A320 prevented it from departing Tenerife’s Los Rodeos Airport. The aircraft had begun takeoff procedures around 4:15 p.m. local time, but shortly after, boarding stairs were returned and the Pope was escorted to the airport’s VIP lounge by King Felipe VI.
The incident marked an unprecedented end to Pope Leo XIV’s fourth international apostolic journey. The weeklong visit took him to Madrid, Barcelona, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Tenerife before concluding at Tenerife North Airport. The plane eventually took off just after 6:00 p.m. local time with the Pope aboard the King’s aircraft.
The farewell ceremony had taken place as scheduled. Pope Leo arrived at the airport around 3:45 p.m. local time and was greeted by King Felipe VI, local authorities, and representatives of the local Church. After national anthems and honors to the flags, the Pope and the King reviewed the Guard of Honour and greeted their respective delegations.Moments after bidding farewell, the King accompanied the Pope to the VIP lounge along with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and other cardinals and bishops who also disembarked from the grounded Iberia plane.