Pope Leo XIV Takes Inaugural Trip on Charter Airline ‘Shepherd One’

UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV has officially embarked on his first international trip as head of the Catholic Church, departing from Rome on a chartered Airbus A320neo. The journey, which spans from November 27 to December 2, 2023, includes stops in Turkey and Lebanon, marking a significant moment in the new pope’s papacy.

This unprecedented trip is significant not only for its spiritual implications but also for its logistical scale. The Vatican does not have its own airline, so the pope is utilizing a full-sized passenger aircraft, effectively transforming it into a flying Vatican. ITA Airways, Italy’s state-owned carrier, operates this flight, with a capacity for 180 passengers, including clergy, security, and international press.

Why This Matters NOW: These trips can cost upwards of tens of millions of dollars, but intriguingly, the Vatican is not responsible for the expenses. Instead, the host nations typically cover the costs, treating papal visits as state affairs. This arrangement raises questions about funding and the financial implications for the nations involved. For instance, the Canadian government spent 55 million CAD ($39 million) on Pope Francis’ 2022 visit.

Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis in May, will be traveling with a full crew, including three pilots and seven flight attendants, ensuring a smooth experience for the pope and his entourage. ITA Airways CEO Jeorg Eberhart emphasized the importance of efficiency and coordination, noting that all appointments are canceled to prioritize the meeting with the pope: “We have to shake hands.”

The aircraft not only carries the pope and his team but also includes a group of journalists who will cover the trip. While the media typically flies in economy class, the pope and his close delegation will enjoy premium seating, highlighting the unique blend of religious and media attention that surrounds such events.

The A320neo, which emits 20% less CO2 per passenger compared to older models, reflects a commitment to sustainability during these significant trips. Interestingly, the pope often returns home with the flag carrier of the country he visits, although for this inaugural trip, ITA Airways confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will fly back with them.

The tradition of papal air travel dates back to 1964 when Pope Paul VI first flew to Jordan aboard an Alitalia aircraft. Over the decades, popes have used various airlines for their travels, including American Airlines and Etihad Airways, further emphasizing the global nature of their mission.

As Pope Leo XIV embarks on this journey, all eyes are on the impact of his visit to Turkey and Lebanon, two countries with significant religious and cultural histories. The developments in these visits will likely resonate across the globe, given the pope’s influential role in international affairs.

What’s Next: The trip will include various events in both countries, and the details of these engagements will be closely monitored. As the pope continues his travels, we will provide real-time updates on his activities and any significant statements made during this pivotal journey.

Stay tuned for more updates as Pope Leo XIV’s historic trip unfolds.