Spanish pilot Ángeles Hernández recounts flying Pope Leo XIV, sharing a remarkable cockpit moment filled with faith, curiosity, and emotion.
Newsroom (11/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) When Ángeles Hernández first stepped onto a Boeing 747 as a child traveling to England, she discovered a lifelong calling to fly. Decades later, the 33-year-old pilot from Extremadura, Spain, found herself at the controls of an Iberia aircraft carrying a far more extraordinary passenger: Pope Leo XIV.
What unfolded during that June 9 flight from Madrid to Barcelona would become one of the most memorable experiences of her career—an encounter blending aviation, faith, and human connection at 30,000 feet.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Invitation
Shortly after takeoff, the Holy Father accepted an invitation to enter the cockpit, joining Hernández and her co-pilot, Pablo Martínez. The moment, she later said, felt almost surreal.
“I think I’m still beside myself… I’m still on cloud nine,” Hernández reflected a day later. Despite the immediacy of the experience, she admitted it had yet to fully sink in. “I’ve hardly had time to stop and pray. I believe this is something you process through prayer because otherwise it doesn’t sink in the same way.”
For Hernández, the significance of the encounter transcended professional achievement. She described feeling “blessed” and attributed the extraordinary circumstances to “God’s ways.” Recalling a conversation with a nun from the Eucharistic Sisters of Nazareth, she shared a moment of humility: when she questioned whether she deserved such an experience, the nun reassured her it was simply “the Lord’s way of telling me he loved me.”
A Curious Passenger in the Sky
Footage of the cockpit meeting has since spread widely online, capturing Pope Leo XIV’s evident delight. According to Hernández, the pontiff was not merely a passive observer but an engaged participant.
“He mentioned that it was his first time taking off while in the cockpit,” she said. “He asked us technical questions, such as what temperature the engines reach upon startup. He was very curious, and we explained how the plane operates as we went along.”
The exchange highlighted the pope’s interest in aviation and willingness to immerse himself in the experience—qualities that left a strong impression on both pilots.
Martínez also took the opportunity to share a lighter moment, revealing his support for Real Madrid. The pope responded with humor, noting he too identifies as a “White,” referencing the club’s nickname, while joking about the caution required in Barcelona given the long-standing rivalry with FC Barcelona.
A Flight Under Escort
The journey itself was notable not only for its distinguished passenger but also for its security measures. The papal aircraft was escorted by two Spanish Air Force F-18 fighter jets, adding a layer of solemnity and spectacle.
During the flight, the cockpit crew established communication with the military pilots. Hernández recalled a particularly striking moment when Pope Leo XIV seized the opportunity to engage directly.
“He didn’t hesitate for a moment to put on the headset and pick up the microphone,” she said, describing his conversation with Commander López of the Zaragoza Squadron. “It was a unique experience.”
Faith at the Center
Beyond the novelty and excitement, the encounter held deep spiritual meaning for Hernández. She used the rare opportunity to ask the pope for prayers—not only for her own family but for families across Spain.
She specifically mentioned “their concerns, their intentions, and the illnesses borne in silence,” as well as those who care for the sick. The pope’s response left a lasting impact.
“He told me to let them know they have his blessing and that he is praying for them,” Hernández said. “I’ll never forget those words—they are truly a gift.”
She also requested blessings for close friends and relatives, carrying with her a message she described as both personal and universal.
A Journey Shaped by Faith and Determination
Hernández’s path to the cockpit was not without challenges, but she credits her perseverance to a foundation built on faith. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized trust in a higher purpose.
“It’s a matter of putting things in God’s hands and saying, ‘Let’s give it our all; if you are with me, we’ll make it,’” she said.
Her faith, she explained, was nurtured early on by her parents and grandparents, who planted the initial seed. Over time, that foundation was strengthened through relationships and experiences that deepened her spiritual life.
A Memory to Last a Lifetime
For Hernández, the encounter with Pope Leo XIV is more than a professional highlight—it is a deeply personal milestone she believes will continue to unfold in meaning over time.
Though she admits she still needs to “bring down to earth” the emotions from that day, one thing is certain: the flight from Madrid to Barcelona will remain etched in her memory as a rare convergence of vocation, faith, and grace.
In her own words, it is an experience she will “always cherish in her heart.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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