Pope Leo’s return flight to Rome was unexpectedly delayed on Friday after his aircraft developed a technical issue, forcing him to disembark following a week-long tour of Spain.
The pontiff, accompanied by Vatican staff and journalists, had already boarded the Iberia flight and was preparing to taxi when the captain announced a maintenance problem.
King Felipe, who had just waved off Pope Leo and other Spanish dignitaries, then personally escorted the Pope back into the airport terminal.
An Iberia spokesperson confirmed that maintenance specialists were investigating a technical problem, but offered no further details.
In a subsequent announcement, the captain suggested that strong winds might have prevented the engine from starting, stating the plane would be towed to face the wind for another attempt.
Leo’s June 6-12 visit, the first to Spain by a pope in 15 years, had three distinct chapters, in Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands, each with its own focus.
By traveling to the Canary Islands, Leo is fulfilling a wish of Pope Francis to minister to the many migrants who arrive on the Spanish archipelago after risking their lives to reach Europe from Africa.
