The pontiff arrived on the island aboard an Iberia flight from Barcelona, landing shortly after 10:45 AM. Following the disembarkation of the 83 accompanying journalists and the cameraman, Leo XIV appeared.

At the foot of the stairs, the Pope was welcomed by the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez. The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, had to readjust the pontiff's cape due to the strong gusts of wind.

Subsequently, Leo XIV greeted the line of authorities, which included the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo; the Minister of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts, Félix Bolaños; the Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres; the President of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, Astrid Pérez; and the Government Delegate in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana. Representatives of the Canarian Church were also present, including the Bishop of the Canary Islands, José Mazuelos, and the Auxiliary Bishop, Cristóbal Déniz.

One of the most striking details was the absence of the traditional red carpet. Although workers began its placement, it had to be removed for safety reasons due to the intensity of the wind.

The morning of the arrival at Gando presented meteorological contrasts, with a predominance of blue skies, although greyish clouds and a light presence of haze were observed. The wind was undoubtedly the main protagonist of the day, influencing several aspects of the official reception.