Pope Leo XIV returned to Rome aboard a Spanish Air Force Falcon aircraft provided by King Felipe VI after a technical problem grounded the plane originally scheduled to carry him back to the Vatican.
The incident occurred at Tenerife North Airport (Los Rodeos) following the conclusion of the Pope’s week-long apostolic visit to Spain. The planned return flight, operated by Iberia using an Airbus A320 registered EC-MDK, encountered an engine-related technical issue shortly after beginning departure procedures.
After the problem was detected, the aircraft’s boarding stairs were repositioned and the Pope was escorted back to the airport’s VIP lounge by King Felipe VI, who had just completed the official farewell ceremony. Senior Vatican officials, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, also disembarked from the aircraft.
To avoid further delay, the Spanish monarch offered a government aircraft for the Pope’s return journey. The Falcon departed Tenerife shortly after 18:00 local time and was expected to arrive in Rome around 23:00 local time.
Meanwhile, Vatican personnel and journalists accompanying the papal delegation were scheduled to return separately on another aircraft arranged by Iberia.
The unexpected aircraft change brought an unusual end to Pope Leo XIV’s fourth international apostolic journey, which included visits to Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, with a particular focus on migration, Catholic heritage and pastoral outreach.