French Rafale fighter jets escorted Pope Leo’s Air France aircraft from Lourdes to the eastern city of Metz on Monday (September 28) as part of a pre-planned military air-security operation for the pontiff’s visit to France.

The fighters were deployed from Saint-Dizier air base, as the pope travelled aboard an Airbus A321 to Metz-Nancy-Lorraine airport.

Military fighter escorts are a long-standing gesture of security and diplomatic honour used by some countries during papal visits, though they do not take place on every papal flight.

Leo will end his four-day visit to France with meetings and a mass in Metz, before returning to Rome.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

IN AIR (ON THE WAY FROM LOURDES TO METZ) (SEPTEMBER 28, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. FRENCH JETS ACCOMPANYING PAPAL PLANE FROM LOURDES TO METZ

IN AIR (ON THE WAY FROM LOURDES TO METZ) (SEPTEMBER 28, 2026) (AIGAV POOL - Access all)

2. VARIOUS OF FRENCH JETS ACCOMPANYING PAPAL PLANE