The world watched with amusement as it seemed Spain was just too in love with Pope Leo to let him leave after such an intense and tender 7 days. But it reminds us of a 1990 event with John Paul II.
When the world's top VIPs fly around the globe, there aren't many occasions of technical difficulties. But every once in a while, we are reminded that even kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers -- and yes, even popes -- have to deal with the inconveniences that are part of life for all of us.
After Pope Leo had boarded the plane to leave Spain this afternoon, June 12, following an impressive military salute and a warm good-bye from a very smiling king, the stairs were moved away and the aircraft door closed. Even the red carpet was rolled away. A few high-ranking clergy and dignitaries still stood looking on. And yet, the plane sat unmoving on the runway, with the Spanish and Vatican flags still flying outside the open cockpit windows.
Suddenly, the stairs returned and the king appeared again ... what is happening? Felipe VI went up the stairs the Pope had climbed now several minutes before, and the Pope was seen talking to him at the door ... and then they both came down the stairs, laughing and clearly enjoying the moment.
One recalls how Pope Leo has spoken about the "practice of the presence of God," and imagines that he was taking the whole thing with a spirit not only of humor but also of faith.
His Holiness and His Majesty disappeared into the airport, and several minutes later, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state, appeared and de-boarded, adjusting his cardinal's robes, as commentators on the local live radio station expressed that, like everyone else, they had no idea ... and the Vatican livestream continued showing images of a plane going nowhere. Expect at least a 30-minute delay came the official word, as messages assured the presence of the general director of Iberia, the plane company, understandably apologetic. Though, as all agree, safety first.
Alas, yes, flight delays are part of life, even for popes.
While veteran Vatican journalists on the flight managed to share messages, the general commentary was similar -- this sure doesn't happen very often! In fact, unprecedented was the word being used, with one small exception.
John Paul II and a miracle in Malta
The huge and beautiful national shrine of Ta' Pinu on the Maltese island of Gozo is the most important shrine in the archipelago, a destination for local and foreign pilgrims alike. Many of them return to Ta' Pinu to give thanks for a grace received: ex-votos literally cover the walls of two rooms near the sacristy.
There, you can see one token of thanksgiving from another airplane incident involving another pope.
John Paul II, while traveling to Tanzania in 1990, had to make an emergency landing in Malta. Just a few months before, in May 1990, he had been the first pope to visit the chapel at Ta'Pinu, where he recollected himself in silent prayer before this image.
Just four months later, in September, due to a technical failure, the papal plane had to make an emergency landing in Malta. Once again, the Polish pope saw the protective hand of the Virgin Mary in his life, considering that it was Our Lady that had kept everyone safe.
Once everything was settled and repaired, Pope John Paul II went on to make a historic five-day visit to Tanzania.
The caption of the ex-voto reads in Maltese: On 1 September 1990, when Pope John Paul II's plane, on the way to Tanzania, approached Malta, it had a severe malfunction and risked crashing. The pilot managed to control the situation and landed in Malta intact. After praying, the Pope said, "Our Lady of Ta' Pinu delivered us."
As for Pope Leo, at the time of this publication, workers are unloading the suitcases. A new plane is being sent from Madrid. The king is, apparently, remaining at the airport. And the Holy Father is expected to still arrive back to the Vatican tonight ... maybe.
Update: A new development. Plans are underway to return Pope Leo to the Vatican on the king's private military plane. But as everyone who has ever spent hours in an airport knows, information is developing and things could change at any time. (Including with the weather; keep in mind they are departing from an island!)
Update: At 7:02 p.m. Rome time (6:02 in the Canary Islands), the king's plane with the Pope onboard began the taxi for take-off, some three hours after the originally scheduled take-off. The Pope's private secretary, Monsignor Edgard, seemed to have boarded with his (and the Pope's) bags. The king continued at the airport, now with a calm smile. One can only imagine the fruits God might bring from these extra hours in Spain.
Update: 7:09, take-off.
