Pope’s Return Delayed After Aircraft Fault, Travels on Spanish Royal Jet

Pope Leo XIV’s return to the Vatican was briefly delayed on Friday after his aircraft experienced a technical issue while preparing for departure from Spain.

The Pope had already boarded an Iberia-operated flight at Tenerife Airport following the conclusion of his week-long visit to Spain when the crew announced a maintenance-related fault that prevented takeoff. 

Passengers, including Vatican officials and journalists, were asked to disembark as engineers assessed the problem. 

During the disruption, King Felipe VI of Spain reportedly stepped in and made his official aircraft available, allowing the Pontiff to continue his journey to Rome alongside members of his delegation. 

The remaining passengers were later arranged to travel on a replacement aircraft dispatched from Madrid.