Pope Leo XIV Experiences Unforeseen Travel Issues on Return from Spain

In an unexpected turn of events, Pope Leo XIV encountered travel delays during his trip back to Rome from Spain. His return flight was complicated by a technical issue, but King Felipe VI of Spain came to the rescue, providing his private jet to ensure the Pope’s safe journey.

The incident occurred at Tenerife Norte-Los Rodeos International Airport, where the Pope’s chartered Iberia plane faced an engine failure. This unexpected hitch prompted the disembarkation of all passengers, including Vatican officials and journalists, except for Pope Leo and his close associates who boarded King Felipe’s Falcon on the airport tarmac in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

King Felipe personally accompanied Pope Leo to the private jet, allowing the delegation to depart three hours later than planned. The issue delivered an unusual conclusion to an otherwise successful visit to Spain, during which Pope Leo campaigned for migration reform and inaugurated a new tower at the Sagrada Familia basilica.

Iberia Airlines arranged for another plane from Madrid to retrieve the remaining Vatican delegates and media personnel. The Spanish Canary Islands lie closer to Africa than the Spanish mainland, underscoring the unusual nature of the situation. It marked a rare occasion when a papal flight encountered a problem severe enough to necessitate a change of planes for the Pope.

Veteran Vatican reporters remembered similar incidents during the tenure of St. John Paul II. In 1986, he experienced a diversion to Naples due to inclement weather on a return from India. In 1988, bad weather in Lesotho required an unplanned landing in South Africa, which was then avoided due to apartheid.

Typically, papal travel involves the Italian flag carrier ITA Airways for outbound flights, while the host nation’s airline handles the return trip. ITA occasionally manages both legs if the journey is extended or the destination lacks necessary facilities. These charters position the Pope and his secure entourage at the front, while media members are seated in the commercial section.

Earlier in this voyage, Iberia shared video footage of a cheerful Pope Leo joining the cockpit crew, traveling between key Spanish cities and destinations. Additionally, Spanish military aircraft escorted the Pope’s plane, demonstrating respect and honor for the dignitary. During this journey, Pope Leo was even seen acknowledging the escorting pilot with a friendly wave.