Papal Air Travel Explained: How the Pope Flies

DALLAS — The Vatican is famous for being the smallest country in the world, covering just 0.49 km² (120 acres). It is also notable for not having an airport. 

The closest airport, Rome Fiumicino International (FCO), is 32 times larger than the Vatican. With the increase in papal travel over the last few decades, how does the Vatican’s most famous resident visit his subjects across the world?

Papal Air Travel

Without an airport or an official fleet, the Vatican charters airlines to handle papal air travel. The papal aircraft carries the call sign “Shepherd One” when conducting official Vatican business to distinguish these flights from regular air traffic and highlight their significance. 

Traditionally, these flights have been operated by Italy’s flag carrier—formerly Alitalia, now ITA Airways (AZ)—for most papal overseas visits. However, this is not always the case. For example, during Pope Francis’ visit to New York in 2015, an American Airlines (AA)  Boeing 777-200ER was chartered for his flight from Rome.

Interestingly, this flight did not use the Shepherd One call sign because the trip was an invitation from the U.S. Conference of Bishops rather than an official Vatican-organized state visit.

What Sort of Plane Does the Pope Use?

The aircraft used for papal travel depends on the trip's requirements. Unlike most government leaders with a dedicated fleet, the pope flies on whatever aircraft is chartered for the occasion. AZ has provided aircraft ranging from the Airbus A320 to larger wide-body jets like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350. 

The choice depends on flight distance, cargo needs, and passenger capacity. An A320 suffices for short trips without ocean crossings or significant cargo. A wide-body aircraft is preferred for longer journeys or higher-capacity needs.

What’s It Like Onboard?

The pope never travels alone. In addition to the flight crew, he is accompanied by his staff and typically 60-70 journalists selected to cover the trip. The pope and his entourage sit in the business class section at the front of the aircraft, which is curtained off from the rest of the cabin, while the media occupies economy class.

Despite the separation, it is common for the pope to visit the journalists, deliver a short speech, thank them, and hold a press briefing. During these conferences, he answers questions, provides messages, or even invites the press to join him in prayer. It is not uncommon for him to greet each journalist individually.

Flying the Pope is far from a standard passenger flight. While the cabin seating configuration remains unchanged, service details are adjusted. For instance, headrests are adorned with the papal coat of arms. Although journalists sit in economy class, they receive meals that are closer to business class quality, often exceeding standard in-flight catering. Additionally, they may receive gifts as a token of appreciation for covering the trip.

The press is typically divided into language groups, representing the most prominent Catholic languages—Italian, German, French, and Spanish. Local journalists from the countries visited are also included and often addressed first. Papal press conferences are not time-restricted and can last up to 20 minutes before landing.

The flight crew, selected for their service excellence, often consider working on a papal flight a career highlight.

Where Does the Pope Go?

Papal trips often include multiple cities rather than a single destination. While onboard, the pope receives briefings on the situation at his destination, ensuring he is informed of key topics and issues.

As the head of the Catholic Church, the pope symbolizes hope and seeks to build bridges wherever Shepherd One lands. His travels typically take him to areas with large Catholic populations, though he also visits disaster-stricken regions to show solidarity. In recent years, papal flights have landed in unexpected locations, such as the United Arab Emirates in 2019 and Iraq in 2021, as part of efforts to foster interfaith dialogue and understanding between Christianity and the Muslim world.

What Happens When He Lands?

Unlike Air Force One or similar state aircraft, which may require an airport shutdown, Shepherd One's arrivals do not usually disrupt airport operations.

Despite this, papal arrivals are highly ceremonial. Upon landing, the cockpit windows are opened, and the Vatican and host country flags are displayed. A red-carpet welcome follows, often including a guard of honor from the host nation.

Why Doesn’t the Vatican Have Its Own Planes?

The Vatican does not maintain its aircraft because it has little need for them. Although international papal visits have increased, they remain infrequent compared to the travel schedules of most world leaders. The costs of owning and operating a dedicated aircraft would be unjustifiable.

While national leaders frequently fly domestically and internationally, the Vatican’s tiny size—just over the length of 14 Airbus A380s—renders domestic air travel unnecessary, even for a helicopter.

Over the years, the Vatican’s relationship with Alitalia and, more recently, ITA Airways has been mutually beneficial. Given the meticulous planning of papal visits months or even years in advance, maintaining a dedicated aircraft does not align with the Vatican’s needs.

Conclusion

Papal air travel resembles other heads of state: a plane is chartered, press members are invited, and the pope discusses issues. However, what sets papal flights apart is their emphasis on unity and hope. 

Shepherd One’s arrivals symbolize efforts to strengthen bonds within the Catholic world and foster cooperation between different faiths. Unlike political state visits, these journeys aim to build bridges of friendship, leaving a lasting impact wherever the pope lands.

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