Pope Leo departs for Apostolic Journey to Spain

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

The ITA Airways plane carrying Pope Leo XIV and journalists departed from from Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport at 8:13 AM on Saturday morning, to kick off his Apostolic Journey to Spain.

The aircraft is scheduled to land at Madrid–Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport at 10:30 AM.

Pope Leo’s programme in Madrid begins with an official welcome ceremony at the Royal Palace, followed by a courtesy visit to Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain at noon. At 12:30 PM, he will meet with representatives of the authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps at the palace.

Pope Leo boarding papal flight   (@VATICAN MEDIA)

In the evening, at 6 PM., the Pope will visit the staff and beneficiaries of the “CEDIA 24 Horas” Social Project at its information and welcome centre. Later, at 8:30 PM, he will preside over a prayer vigil with young people in Madrid’s Plaza de Lima.

After his time in the Spanish capital, Pope Leo on Tuesday will travel to Barcelona, and on Thursday, continue to the Canary Islands.

Pope Leo aboard the flight   (@Vatican Media)