The pontiff began his journey to the Canary Islands on an Iberia flight, covering the route between Barcelona and the island. The flight, which took off with 136 people on board, including 86 accredited journalists, is part of the official travel arrangements organized during the papal visit to Spain and the archipelago.

Before takeoff, a symbolic moment occurred when a flight attendant placed an image of the Virgen de la Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands, on the side of the plane, as a gesture of protection and devotion.

The arrival of Pope Leo XIV in Gran Canaria marks the beginning of a historic day for the islands. His agenda will focus on the migratory phenomenon and meetings with the Canarian Catholic community. After landing, the pontiff is scheduled to travel to Arguineguín, a key point on the Atlantic migratory route, before participating in other religious and institutional events.

Iberia has been the chosen airline for the Pope's air travel during his official visit to Spain, including routes between Madrid, Barcelona, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Rome.