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 Boeing 777-200ER, designated "Shepherd One," for Pope Francis's first visit to the United States in September 2015, making stops in Washington, New York City, and Philadelphia.
The aircraft, N776AN, remains in service today and features a commemorative plaque, while the Pope's seat from the flight is now preserved in the C.R. Smith Museum.
Although papal travel is typically handled by Alitalia or ITA Airways, this American Airlines flight was a notable exception, and the article concludes by referencing Pope Francis's recent passing and his legacy.

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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.