Spain police show off drone system that will protect skies during Pope's visit

(3 Jun 2026) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Madrid - 3 June 2026 1. Various of preparations at Cibeles Square where Pope Leo XIV is expected to hold Sunday mass 2. Various of preparations at Lima Square where Leo is expected to hold youth vigil 3. Various of police showing drone unit involved in securing papal visit events 4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Angel Siles, Police Air Protection unit: "The anti-drone systems. Their purpose is to monitor the use of airspace by this type of aircraft. What these systems aim to do is, first of all, detect, locate, and track aircraft. If these aircraft are unauthorized, the pilot will be located, and the drone will be neutralized if necessary. This measure will only be taken if the drone poses a risk to the event, to the people, authorities participating in the event, or the attendees, as these will obviously be events with a large number of people, and therefore, we must ensure the safety of everyone." 6. Various of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium where Leo will hold a meeting with local parishes 7. Tilt down of Almudena Cathedral 8. Various of royal palace where Leo is expected to meet Spain's Royal Family upon arrival Saturday STORYLINE: Preparations were underway in Madrid Wednesday for Pope Leo XIV 6-day-tour of Spain, scheduled to begin in the nation's capital next Saturday. Spain police showed off their drone system that will offer live surveillance of crowds and protect skies during pope's visit. "What these systems aim to do is, first of all, detect, locate, and track aircrafts. If these aircrafts are unauthorized, the pilot will be located, and the drone will be neutralized if necessary," explained Angel Siles, an officer with the police air protection unit. Workers were seen erecting altars and stages at the Cibeles Fountain and Lima Square for a mass on Sunday and a meeting with youth on Saturday. Pope Leo XIV will visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to meet members of local parishes. Pope Leo is also expected to visit the Royal Palace and meet the Spanish Royal Family upon arrival Saturday. The pontiff will also be visiting Barcelona and two of the Canary Islands. =========================================================== Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: [email protected]. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...