How one airline supported Pope Francis’ whirlwind trip to the U.S. a decade ago.
Pope Francis on an American 777 (Photo: American Airlines)
In September 2015, American Airlines operated a special charter flight for Pope Francis during his first visit to the United States. The aircraft used, a Boeing 777-200ER with tail number N776AN, was designated “Shepherd One” for the duration of the papal tour and remains in service today.
This callsign was officially approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for the period of Sept. 21 to Oct. 15, 2015. The papal charter was the seventh time that American, and previously TWA, had transported a pope.
The pope’s itinerary included stops in Washington, New York City, and Philadelphia before he returned to Rome. American’s crew for this mission comprised personnel from various locations, including Dallas/Fort Worth; Chicago; Los Angeles; Miami; New York; Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The team represented a diverse array of backgrounds and faiths, the airline said in a news release at the time.
In recognition of this event, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier installed a commemorative plaque inside the aircraft near the L2 door. The plaque, manufactured by its teams in Tulsa, reads:
“This aircraft served as ‘Shepherd One’ during Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States from September 24-28, 2015: Washington, D.C., New York, Philadelphia, Rome.”
Papal plaque on American 777 (Photo: American Airlines)
The seat used by Pope Francis during the flight was removed during a subsequent retrofit of the aircraft and is now part of the collection at the C.R. Smith Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.
It isn’t uncommon for popes to travel around the world, and Francis was no exception. Italian flag carrier Alitalia typically flew the papal entourage.
However, ITA Airways took over these missions soon after the carrier began operations in 2021. Pope Francis referred to the airline as “the Pope’s wings that allow me to fly to the ends of the earth bringing the Gospel of hope and peace.”
On Monday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had passed away at 88 years old. He was the first Latin American pontiff.
“His death leaves an immense void in our hearts and in our lives,” an ITA news release stated. “His words of peace, gestures of mercy and constant call for brotherhood among peoples will remain a beacon for future generations.”
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