The Holy Father entered the cockpit for the entire flight, said co-pilot Eric Marguerite:
We had an informal conversation with him. He has a strong passion for aviation, cars and mechanics in general.
The Pope was not content with just looking at the sky during the flight. He also wanted to talk on the radio with the pilots of the two French Rafale fighter jets that were escorting the papal plane at a distance of 50 metres.
We gave the microphone to the Holy Father, who spoke to the Rafale pilots. He blessed them and all the military who defend people and peace on earth.
After half an hour, the papal plane landed without any problems in Metz.
On Monday, Leo XIV returned from France to the Vatican - again by plane.
