Air France Pope Leo XIV's visit to France - special flights in pictures

Operated in accordance with State flight procedures, this mission required a level of preparation, coordination and rigor well beyond that of standard operations. Between Orly, Lourdes, Metz and Rome, every stage of the journey was organized in close cooperation with the French authorities, Vatican representatives and airport teams.

Handling at each stopover, aircraft preparation, crew coordination, reception of the delegations, security, protocol: numerous areas of expertise across the airline were called upon, over several weeks, to ensure the smooth running of the operation.

In keeping with Vatican protocol, the aircraft carried special livery featuring the coat of arms of Pope Leo XIV. It was also temporarily renamed "Vatican City," a symbolic gesture underscoring the unique nature of this mission.

Conformément au protocole du Vatican, l'appareil a reçu un marquage spécifique aux armoiries du pape Léon XIV. Il a également été temporairement rebaptisé « Cité du Vatican », une attention symbolique soulignant le caractère unique de cette mission.

On September 26, before takeoff, Benjamin Smith, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Air France and Chief Executive Officer of Air France-KLM, presented Pope Leo XIV with a collector's poster signed by Plaquet. The gift is a nod to the airline's long-standing history with pilgrimages and papal journeys.

Widely covered by media around the world, the visit highlighted Air France's expertise in carrying out complex and sensitive operations.

Photo : Air France - Vatican Media - France Diplomatie - L'Armée de l'Aire et de l'Espace