- Air France is operating three special flights linking Paris-Orly, Tarbes-Lourdes, Metz-Nancy and Rome
- Pope Leo XIV drew an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 faithful to an open-air Mass in Paris
- The Mass took place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Place de la Concorde
- The Pope travelled to Lourdes to pray at the Grotto of Massabielle and walked barefoot part of the way
- Nearly 80,000 young people filled the Stade de France for an event with the pontiff
Air France is operating three special state flights to support the first official visit of Pope Leo XIV to France from September 25 to 28, 2026. The airline has dedicated a specially configured Airbus A321 for this historic mission, temporarily renaming the aircraft “Cité du Vatican” (Vatican City) and emblazoning it with the Holy See’s coat of arms.
The state flights are connecting key locations, including routes from Paris-Orly to Lourdes, and onward to Metz-Nancy and Rome.
- Onboard Delegation: Carries the Pope, entourage, over 70 Vatican officials, and 80+ journalists.
- Operation: Involves over 100 staff, led by Captain Clémence Coussonneau for the French legs.
- Supporting Flights: Transavia operates an extra special flight between Paris-Orly and Lourdes.
- Continuing a long tradition, Air France previously flew Pope John Paul II in 1989 and 1996, and Pope Benedict XVI in 2008.
