Pope Leo XIV returned to Rome from the Canary Islands after King Felipe VI of Spain provided a replacement aircraft following a technical failure with the pontiff’s original plane, according to reports from Vatican News and other international media.
Technical Failure in the Canary Islands
The return trip to the Vatican was delayed when a technical problem forced the Pope to be removed from his aircraft, according to CNN Brasil. The incident occurred while the pontiff was in the Canary Islands, concluding his official visit to Spain.

Spanish Royal Intervention
To resolve the transportation crisis, King Felipe VI lent a Spanish aircraft to ensure the Pope could depart for Rome. Reports from Estadão confirm the use of the royal aircraft for the flight. G1 further noted that the King “escorted” the Pope during the process of boarding the replacement plane.
Vatican News confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has since concluded his journey and returned to Rome.