Air France has been selected to operate the French legs and the return flight to Rome for Pope Leo XIV's first apostolic visit to France, scheduled from 25 to 28 September 2026. The airline will dedicate an Airbus A321 to the sovereign pontiff, his cardinal entourage, and accredited journalists, covering a route that links Paris-Orly, Lourdes, Metz, and Rome-Fiumicino. This operation underscores the close collaboration between civil aviation and high-profile state visits, a niche that demands meticulous planning and execution. The aircraft will be specially customized, bearing the Vatican City coat of arms both inside and out, a temporary personalization that highlights the protocolary nature of the mission. Air France expressed pride in contributing to this historic visit, which will see the Pope travel from Paris to Lourdes, then to Metz, before returning to Rome. The flight schedule is tightly integrated with the Vatican's official program: the Pope arrives at Paris-Orly on 25 September, and the Air France A321 takes over the following day, flying him to Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées, where he will participate in a prayer at the Grotto of Massabielle. On 28 September, the aircraft departs Lourdes at 07:40, arriving in Metz at 09:20, and later departs for Rome at 19:00, landing at Fiumicino at 20:50. The choice of the Airbus A321 is strategic: as a narrow-body, medium-haul aircraft, it is perfectly suited for short intra-European sectors and regional airport infrastructure. While Air France has not disclosed the aircraft's registration or specific cabin configuration, the operation will require distinct coordination from regular commercial flights, including reception at Orly's honor pavilion, protocol coordination with civil and religious authorities, baggage handling for delegations, and enhanced security measures. This level of detail is a reminder of the complexity behind such special flights, which often serve as a benchmark for aviation students studying operational planning. This is not Air France's first papal assignment. The airline has a rich history with Vatican travel, having transported Pope John Paul II on a Concorde in 1989 and an Airbus A310 in 1996, and Pope Benedict XVI on an A321 in 2008. The 2026 mission revives this tradition, combining Paris, Lourdes, and Metz—a route that reflects both spiritual and historical significance. For aviation trainees, this event illustrates how airlines adapt their operations for high-stakes, non-commercial missions, offering a real-world case study in logistics, safety, and customer service excellence.