Spain: Pope Leo XIV surprises passengers with cockpit visit on Madrid-Barcelona flight

No Comment Video. Spain: Pope Leo XIV surprises passengers with cockpit visit on Madrid-Barcelona flight Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 10/06/2026 - 13:27 GMT+2 Pope Leo XIV made a rare visit to the cockpit mid-flight before greeting passengers and crew during his flight from Madrid to Barcelona on 9 June, marking the second stage of his week-long visit to Spain. Images released by Iberia showed the pontiff speaking with pilots, addressing passengers from the front of the aircraft and greeting crew members during the short journey across Spain. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The flight was also escorted by a fighter jet before landing in Barcelona, where thousands of faithful gathered for the pope’s arrival. In Barcelona, Leo is due to bless the newly completed central tower of the Sagrada Família Basilica, which has become the world’s tallest church. The project, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí more than a century ago, remains one of Spain’s most recognisable monuments and attracts millions of visitors each year. The pope’s programme also includes public prayers, meetings with young people and a major mass in the Catalan capital. After Barcelona, Leo will continue his visit with a final stop in the Canary Islands before returning to the Vatican. Spain Pope Leo XIV unusual Madrid Barcelona Iberia Top stories Now playing Next Spain: Pope Leo XIV surprises passengers with cockpit visit on Madrid-Barcelona flight Now playing Next USA: French Air Force display marks 250 years of American independence Now playing Next Spain: Human castle welcomes Pope Leo XIV to youth vigil in Barcelona Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | June 10th, 2026 – Midday Now playing Next Marktweg in The Hague becomes iconic orange street for World Cup Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | June 10th, 2026 – Morning Now playing Next Cars and homes burn as unrest erupts in Belfast after knife attack Now playing Next Divers capture the first ever video of a great white shark in the Med Now playing Next Police in Northern Ireland arrest man after violent Belfast stabbing Now playing Next Who pays the most and least for broadband in the EU? Now playing Next Why Ireland is under fire over its alumina exports to Russia Now playing Next France demands judicial overhaul after murder of 11-year-old girl Now playing Next Fake article claims Mbappé made sexual harassment allegations against Macron Now playing Next Amid outcry against France's courts, who has the most and fewest judges in the EU? Now playing Next EU migration rules kick in, but enforcement is already in doubt Now playing Next 'No Lisbon without saints': Popular Saints festivals in the capital ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment Murder of Lyhanna: Anger grows as thousands take to the streets in Paris No Comment Israeli warnings trigger mass exodus from Lebanon’s historic Tyre No Comment Spain: Thousands gather as Pope Leo XIV reaches Barcelona No Comment Hot air balloons fill Kazakhstan skies as festival returns Business Who works the hardest in Europe? The countries with the longest and shortest working weeks Europe Today Europe Today: US and Iran exchange fresh attacks as EU unveils new Russia sanctions Earth News EU monitor warns of 'new normal' following record temperatures in May Europe News Two officers injured as anti-immigration protests break out in Belfast following stabbing Tech News Exclusive: ‘If China attacks Taiwan, you will be affected too,’ Taiwan’s deputy FM warns Europe Iran Tehran fires missiles at Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain after renewed US strikes on Iran The Europe Conversation 'EU's environmental policy must be part of defence strategy,' Commissioner Roswall says Europe News ‘Act without delay’: Brussels warns Albania over Trump-linked resort project ADVERTISEMENT Art Rare tour reveals hidden treasures inside Barcelona's Sagrada Familia Sport World Cup border issues continue as Cannavaro questions Uzbekistan security frisk Business Airbus-led group proposes fighter jet alternative after French-German project fails The Cube Amid widespread protests, Albanian island project also sparks flood of fake claims Europe News EU proposes new sanctions on Russian oil, 'shadow fleet', fisheries and soldiers Japan Bear captured after roaming through Japanese city Sport Host cities ready for kickoff in biggest World Cup ever as fans lament visa bans and ticket prices Europe News Man arrested after violent stabbing in Belfast, Northern Ireland police say ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT