Preparations for the visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Canary Islands have stepped up a gear after the Popemobile arrived in Gran Canaria yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, ahead of his visit tomorrow and Friday.

The specially adapted vehicle, which will transport the Pontiff during his visit to the archipelago, was flown into the Gando Air Base aboard an Airbus A400M Atlas operated by the Spanish Air Force.

The Popemobile arrived from Torrejón Air Base alongside several armoured vehicles belonging to the Unidad de Intervención Policial (UIP) as part of the extensive security operation being put in place for the Pope’s visit.

Images of the aircraft unloading the vehicles were released by the Policía Nacional as final preparations continue ahead of the historic trip.

The Popemobile will be used by Pope Leo XIV as he travels through the streets of the Canary Islands, allowing thousands of residents and visitors the opportunity to see him during public appearances in Gran Canaria tomorrow (11th June) and Tenerife on Friday (12th June).

The arrival of the vehicle marks the beginning of the final phase of security and mobility preparations ahead of the Pontiff’s visit.