Pope Leo wanted to fly back to Rome from Tenerife this afternoon after his visit to Spain, but his rented plane from Iberia was experiencing technical problems. The Pope had already boarded, but had to leave the plane again, just like the other passengers.

Spanish King Felipe had recently said goodbye to the Pope and escorted him back to the terminal. He then offered Pope Leo another plane for the return trip.

The Spanish government reports that it concerns an air force plane used by the king. It is expected in Rome tonight at 11pm.

Iberia reports that the plane’s engine would not start and that another plane was sent for passengers traveling with the pope, such as Vatican staff and journalists.

In recent days, the Pope visited Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands, among others. During the latter visit, the focus was on migration, an important theme in Spanish politics in recent months.