Pope Leaves Tenerife for Rome After Historic Visit to Spain
The Pope has departed from Tenerife to Rome following a historic journey across Spain, after a two-hour delay caused by a technical fault in the Airbus intended for his transportation. Pope Leo XIV finally left the island aboard the Royal Falcon, which was temporarily provided for his transfer. This unusual scenario in Vatican history has become a mere anecdote after a day in which the Pope faced the realities of immigration.
Farewell at Tenerife Airport
King Felipe VI bid farewell to Pope Leo XIV on Friday at Tenerife North Airport, from where the pontiff left for Rome following the completion of his apostolic visit to Spain. Before departing the island, the Pope held a private meeting with the monarch inside the airport, marking the final institutional act of a day that culminated in a large Mass celebrated at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Present at the farewell were various dignitaries, including:
– Ángel Víctor Torres, Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory
– Elma Saiz, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration
– Authorities from the Canary Islands, such as Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Government
– Astrid Pérez, President of the Regional Parliament
– Rosa Dávila, President of the Cabildo of Tenerife
– Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, Mayor of La Laguna
Conclusion of a Significant Visit
The pontiff arrived at the airport after travelling from Santa Cruz along the TF-5, which had been closed as part of the special security arrangements for his visit. At Tenerife North, a red carpet lined with military personnel escorted the Pope to the aircraft in a solemn farewell on a sunny day, providing a welcome respite after preceding days of instability. With his departure from Tenerife, Pope Leo XIV concludes his visit to the Canary Islands and his apostolic journey in Spain.
