The Pontiff ended his week-long visit to Spain today by flying from Tenerife on King Felipe VI's jet due to a technical issue on the Iberia plane scheduled for his return.
At 3:45 p.m. local time on Friday, King Felipe VI bid farewell to Pope León XIV at Tenerife Norte-Los Rodeos Airport. The Pontiff had boarded the Iberia flight to Rome, but an engine fault prevented takeoff and forced all passengers to disembark.
After considering options, León XIV agreed to fly on the Air Force Falcon T.18 with registration AME 4587. The plane took off at 6:10 p.m. local time with only 14 seats available, reducing the papal entourage to the minimum. The rest of the staff and journalists will return on an Iberia plane sent from Madrid.
The king remains in Tenerife awaiting another Falcon to return to Madrid. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez thanked the Pope for his visit and message of peace and solidarity. During the day, León XIV visited the Las Raíces reception center, where he heard migrant testimonies and called for respect for laws and human dignity.
