Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the world's Catholics, created an unusual moment during his apostolic journey to Spain in June 2026.
He reportedly spent part of the flight from Madrid to Barcelona in the cockpit of an Iberia aircraft, interacting directly with the pilots.
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During the flight, which took place around June 9 or 10, 2026, the Pope was invited by Captain Pablo Martínez Núñez to join the cockpit of the Airbus A320.
The experience was incredibly memorable for the crew, with Captain Núñez, a 26-year Iberia veteran, calling it "the most special flight" of his career.
“I think I’m still beside myself ... I’m still on cloud nine. I’ve hardly had time to stop and pray, and I believe this is something you process through prayer because otherwise it doesn’t sink in the same way,” the 33-year-old pilot Ángeles Hernández told ACI Prensa
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain was his first in fifteen years and included several important cities.
The trip also fulfilled Pope Francis's previous wish to visit the Canary Islands.
Details of the In-Flight Interaction
During his time in the cockpit, Pope Leo XIV witnessed the plane's takeoff.
He also interacted with the crew and waved to the pilot of the Spanish Air Force F-18 fighter jet escorting the papal plane, even communicating by radio.
With an academic background in science and mathematics, the Pope demonstrated a keen interest in aviation.
He asked detailed questions about approach procedures and the area the plane would fly over, and followed the pilot's explanations closely.
Another special moment was when the Pope was able to see the iconic Sagrada Família from the air during the descent.
Co-pilot Ángeles Hernández González also described the experience as unforgettable.
Before leaving the plane, Pope Leo XIV also signed family photographs belonging to the captain, co-pilot, and pilot of the F-18.
Although cockpit visits are rare after 9/11, this incident was not considered a security breach. This is because the Pope travels on official visits under tight security, including a fighter jet escort.
Apostolic Visit Agenda in Spain
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain will take place from June 6 to 12, 2026, and will include Madrid, Barcelona, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Iberia Airlines will operate several special flights for the Pope during this trip, including Madrid–Barcelona, Barcelona–Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria–North Tenerife, and North Tenerife–Rome.
In Madrid (June 6–9), the Pope is scheduled to visit a homeless shelter, meet with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
He will also participate in a large vigil with young people at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and visit the Almudena Cathedral.
Furthermore, in Barcelona (June 9–10), the Pope is scheduled to visit a prison and attend the inauguration and blessing of the Tower of Jesus Christ in the Sagrada Família Basilica.
These events coincide with the centenary of the death of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí.
On June 11, the Pope will be in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and on June 12, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, before returning to Rome.
While in the Canary Islands, the Pope will meet with organizations supporting migrants and refugees, highlighting the migration issue that has also been a concern for Pope Francis before him.