Departure from Rome

Telegram to the President of the Italian Republic

Telegram to the Head of State of the French Republic during the flight from Rome to Madrid

Official Welcome at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport

Departure from Rome

This morning, Pope Leo XIV began his journey to Spain, the fourth Apostolic Journey of his pontificate.

After leaving the San Damaso Courtyard, in the Vatican, the Pope transferred by car to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Fiumicino, Rome. At 8.13 he departed for Madrid on board an ITA Airways A320-9.

The aircraft carrying the Holy Father landed at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport at 10.13.

Telegram to the President of the Italian Republic

Upon leaving Italian territory, the Holy Father sent the following telegram to the President of the Italian Republic, the Honourable Sergio Mattarella:

Telegram

His Excellency
Hon. Sergio Mattarella
President of the Italian Republic
Quirinal Palace 00187 Rome
As I begin my Apostolic Journey in Spain, under the maternal gaze of the Virgin Mary who welcomes us and guides us towards God, the source of unity and hope for all peoples, I am pleased to extend to you, Mr. President, my warmest greetings, accompanied by fervent prayers for the good and prosperity of the entire Italian nation.

Leo PP. XIV

Telegram to the Head of State of the French Republic during the flight from Rome to Madrid

During the flight to Madrid, as the aircraft passed through French airspace, the Holy Father Leo XIV sent the following telegram to the Head of State of the French Republic:

Overflight France

His Excellency Emmanuel Macron
President of the French Republic
Paris

I send cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens as I fly through French airspace on my Apostolic Journey to Spain. Gladly recalling your recent visit to the Vatican, I invoke Almighty God’s blessings upon the Nation, especially his gifts of peace and joy.

Leo PP. XIV

Official Welcome at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport

Upon arrival at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport, Pope Leo XIV was welcomed by Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, at the foot of the aircraft,and by two children in traditional dress who presented him with flowers.

Following the Guard of Honour and the presentation of the respective delegations, the Pope proceeded with the King and Queen to the Hall of Honour for a brief private meeting.

At the conclusion, the Holy Father travelled by car to the Royal Palace for the courtesy visit to Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain and a meeting with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps.