Technical issue delays Pope's flight from Tenerife to Rome

The Pope's departure from Tenerife to Rome was unexpectedly delayed on Friday, June 12, due to a technical incident involving the aircraft. The Airbus A320, operated by Iberia, was scheduled to take off at 15:20 local time but faced a significant delay.

According to the flight commander, the plane encountered a technical issue with one of its engines. To attempt a resolution, the aircraft was towed to be repositioned against the wind, a maneuver intended to facilitate a new engine start-up. "We are going to make this attempt; if it is satisfactory, we will be able to begin our flight," the commander informed the passengers.

King Felipe VI of Spain, who had already seen the Pope off at the aircraft's steps, returned to the airport upon learning of the technical problem. He boarded the plane, and subsequently, both he and the Pope disembarked and proceeded together to the terminal, engaged in conversation with a relaxed demeanor. Several cardinals accompanying the Pope, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, also left the aircraft.