Recalling the Mission of ‘Shepherd One’

How one airline supported Pope Francis’ whirlwind trip to the U.S. a decade ago.

Ryan Ewing

Monday, April 21, 2025 at 03:32 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Pope Francis on an American 777 [Courtesy: American Airlines]

Key Takeaways:

American Airlines operated a special charter flight, "Shepherd One" (Boeing 777-200ER N776AN), for Pope Francis's first visit to the United States in September 2015.
The papal tour included stops in Washington, New York City, and Philadelphia, and was the seventh time American Airlines or TWA had transported a pope.
The aircraft was later fitted with a commemorative plaque, and Pope Francis's seat from the flight is now preserved at the C.R. Smith Museum.

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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.