Pope Leo XIV Embarks on First International Trip—Chartered Flight to Turkey and Lebanon

UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV has officially begun his first international journey as head of the Catholic Church, departing from Rome’s main international airport aboard a chartered Airbus A320neo. This significant trip covers November 27 to December 2, 2023, with stops in Ankara, Turkey, and Beirut, Lebanon.

The Chicago-born pontiff is opting for a full-sized passenger airliner instead of a private jet, highlighting the scale of his entourage, which includes staff, clergy, security personnel, and international journalists. This approach is expected to cost millions, but notably, the Vatican will not cover the expenses. Instead, the host nations typically absorb the financial burden, treating papal visits as state visits due to the pope’s dual role as a religious leader and the head of the sovereign Vatican City State.

ITA Airways, the Italian state-owned flag carrier and successor to Alitalia, operates the flight. ITA Airways CEO Jörg Eberhart confirmed that the airline had to negotiate the contract for the flight, ensuring efficient logistics for the pope’s journey. Notably, the A320neo model is designed with environmental considerations in mind, emitting 20% less CO2 per passenger than older aircraft.

The papal aircraft is often referred to as “Shepherd One,” echoing the term “Air Force One” used for the U.S. president’s plane. Eberhart stated that ITA executives personally greet the pope before departure, emphasizing the honor and significance of these flights. The pope’s special travel arrangements include a crew of three pilots and seven flight attendants, as well as customized seating in Vatican colors.

Historically, papal air travel dates back to 1964, marking the first time a sitting pope flew commercially. Pope Leo XIV’s choice to travel on a commercial airliner continues this long-standing tradition, and he will likely return home on ITA Airways after his trip.

Pope Francis, who traveled extensively during his tenure, took numerous flights with various international carriers, including American Airlines and Etihad Airways. This new chapter under Pope Leo XIV signifies a commitment to maintaining the papal travel legacy while adapting to modern travel logistics.

As the pope embarks on this significant journey, the world watches closely, awaiting updates on his meetings and engagements in Turkey and Lebanon. The emotional weight of these visits resonates deeply with believers around the globe, reinforcing the pope’s vital role in bridging cultural and religious divides.

Stay tuned for more updates as Pope Leo XIV navigates this crucial trip, which aims to strengthen international ties and promote peace in the region.