Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV returned to Rome on Saturday aboard an aircraft provided by King Felipe VI of Spain after a technical problem prevented the original papal flight from departing from Tenerife North Airport.
The unexpected development brought an unusual end to Pope’s fourth international apostolic journey, a weeklong visit that took him to several Spanish cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope travelled back to the Vatican on an aircraft graciously made available by the Spanish monarch. The flight departed Tenerife at around 6 p.m. local time and was scheduled to arrive in Rome later in the evening.
The Vatican also confirmed that members of the Holy See delegation and journalists who had accompanied the Pope during the trip would return separately on another aircraft provided by Iberia.
The change in travel plans became necessary after a technical problem affected the Iberia Airbus A320 that was originally scheduled to carry Pope Leo back to Rome. The aircraft had begun preparations for departure at approximately 4.15 p.m. local time following the official farewell ceremony at Tenerife North Airport, also known as Los Rodeos Airport.
However, shortly after the boarding process had begun, airport staff brought the boarding stairs back to the aircraft and suspended the departure. As a precaution, the Pope was escorted to the airport’s VIP lounge.
King Felipe VI, who had only moments earlier officially bid farewell to the Pope, accompanied him to the lounge. Other members of the papal delegation, including Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, cardinals and bishops travelling with the Pope, also disembarked from the aircraft while officials assessed the situation.
The delay created an unexpected pause at the conclusion of a journey that had been marked by large public gatherings, religious celebrations and meetings with civil and Church leaders across Spain.
Earlier in the afternoon, the farewell ceremony had taken place according to schedule. Pope Leo arrived at the airport at around 3.45 p.m. local time, where he was welcomed by King Felipe VI, local government representatives and Church officials.
The ceremony included the playing of the national anthems of the Holy See and Spain, military honours and a review of the guard of honour. The Pope and the King also greeted members of their respective delegations before proceeding to the aircraft.
Despite the unexpected technical issue, Vatican officials said arrangements were quickly made to ensure the Pope’s safe return to Rome. The gesture by King Felipe in providing an alternative aircraft was widely seen as a sign of the strong relationship between Spain and the Holy See.
The weeklong apostolic journey was Pope Leo XIV’s fourth international trip since the beginning of his pontificate. During the visit, he celebrated liturgies, met with clergy and faithful, and delivered messages focused on faith, unity and social solidarity.
While technical delays affecting papal flights are rare, Vatican officials emphasized that safety remained the priority. The swift response by Spanish authorities and the royal household ensured that the Pope’s return proceeded without further complications.
The incident marked an unusual and memorable conclusion to a significant pastoral visit, with Pope Leo ultimately arriving home in Rome thanks to the support and hospitality of the Spanish royal family.