ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE, June 12 – Pope Leo had to delay his return to Rome at the end of a week-long tour of Spain after his plane experienced a technical issue on Friday.
The plane carrying Pope Leo, Vatican staff and journalists was preparing to taxi to the runway when the captain announced that it had a maintenance problem.
Leo, who had already boarded his flight operated by carrier Iberia after being waved off by King Felipe and other Spanish dignitaries, was then escorted off the plane by the king back to the airport.
An Iberia spokesperson said maintenance specialists were checking a technical problem, without providing further detail.
In a second announcement after Leo had left the plane, the captain said the engine had probably been unable to start because of the wind. He said the plane would be towed so it faced the wind and they would try starting the engine again. REUTERS