During the flight, the pilots of the two fighter jets communicated with the Pope via radio.
After arriving in Metz, a member of the Pope’s flight crew told BFMTV: “Two Rafale jets arrived, and their pilots spoke directly with His Holiness the Pope over the radio.”
The content of their conversation was not disclosed. However, for members of the Pope’s flight crew, it was a unique moment they said they would never forget.
“One only experiences something like this once in a career,” one crew member said.
He described the experience as a “great honour” and “a special moment filled with emotion for everyone.”
Another member of the flight crew said: “I was deeply moved by His Holiness the Pope’s great calm and the way he smiled… showing an extraordinary sense of serenity.”
The crew also revealed a small detail from the journey. Before landing, the 71-year-old Pope had a cappuccino and a croissant.
The fighter jet escort was part of the extensive security measures put in place for his four-day visit.
The French Air and Space Force had announced plans to establish what it called an “air security umbrella” over Paris, Lourdes and Metz. The measures included anti-drone systems, military helicopters, a Reaper drone tasked with monitoring the airspace over Lourdes, and Rafale jets on standby to respond if necessary.
Metz was chosen for its particular historical significance. The city lies in a region that was at the centre of historic conflicts between France and Germany, but it has also become a symbol of reconciliation between the two countries.
In the afternoon, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to travel 2.3 kilometres through the streets of Metz in the Popemobile, with between 50,000 and 100,000 people expected to gather along the route. He will then celebrate his final Mass at Saint-Étienne Cathedral.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend the Mass after missing the services held in Paris and Lourdes.
The Pope is scheduled to return to Rome at 7 p.m.
