The French army has deployed a special air-security operation around Pope Leo XIV’s four-day visit to France, with military aircraft and anti-drone teams supporting security measures in Paris, Lourdes and Metz.
The operation by France’s Air and Space Army began on September 25 and is scheduled to continue through September 28, when the pope is due to complete the final stage of his visit in Metz.
The military operation is designed to protect the event from the air while reinforcing broader measures led by police, gendarmerie and local authorities.
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French Army: How the air-security operation works
France’s defence ministry described the arrangement as a special air-security system covering the locations and travel routes associated with the papal visit.
The operation combines airspace surveillance, air-defence resources and an interagency system for countering drones.
The objective is to identify and respond to potential airborne threats while maintaining coordination with internal security forces on the ground.
The military’s role is separate from, but connected to, the wider public-security operation.
France’s Interior Ministry said security agencies had been preparing the protection plan for several weeks, including reconnaissance of sites and routes with Vatican security personnel, Swiss Guards and the Vatican gendarmerie.
Why drones are a central concern
Drone protection has become a standard part of security planning for large public gatherings and visits by high-profile figures.
Small unmanned aircraft can operate at low altitude and in crowded urban or outdoor environments, making them difficult to detect and manage using conventional air-defence methods.
The French military has been expanding its counter-drone capabilities since the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A separate September exercise tested anti-drone coordination across several French sites as the armed forces prepare for future major events.
For the papal visit, the military system works alongside police and gendarmerie resources rather than replacing them.
That division allows the armed forces to focus on airspace monitoring and specialised response while civilian security agencies manage public areas, protected perimeters and crowd control.
Three stops and large crowds
Pope Leo XIV’s visit includes three principal stops: Paris, Lourdes and Metz.
In Paris, the programme included events at UNESCO, Notre-Dame de Paris, the Stade de France and an outdoor Mass near the Concorde-Champs-Élysées area.
French authorities estimated that about 600,000 people could attend the outdoor Mass.
The Lourdes portion included public appearances at the sanctuary and an outdoor Mass expected to draw about 150,000 people.
The final day in Metz includes a 2.2-kilometre motorcade route in the popemobile and a peace Mass at Metz Cathedral.
Officials said the cathedral service would be attended by about 12,000 people, including 2,000 inside the building.
What happens next
The special military operation is tied to the September 25–28 visit and is expected to wind down after the pope’s scheduled events in Metz on September 28.
France’s broader security posture remains in place beyond the papal visit.
The Interior Ministry said the country is operating under a heightened Vigipirate vigilance level for the summer and autumn of 2026, with particular attention to drone threats, tourist sites and public buildings.
The deployment also provides another operational test for France’s ability to combine military air surveillance with police and gendarmerie counter-drone systems during a major public event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the French army involved in Pope Leo XIV’s visit?
The Air and Space Army is responsible for special air-security measures, including airspace surveillance, air defence and counter-drone coordination, while police and gendarmerie manage most ground-security duties.
When is the military air-security operation running?
The special operation is scheduled to run from September 25 through September 28, 2026, covering the pope’s visit to Paris, Lourdes and Metz.
Which French military branch is protecting the visit from the air?
France’s Air and Space Army is leading the military air-security operation.
Why are anti-drone systems being used?
Drones can pose a security risk near large crowds and protected locations, so French authorities are using dedicated detection and countermeasure capabilities as part of the wider security plan.
Where is Pope Leo XIV travelling in France?
The four-day visit includes Paris, Lourdes and Metz, with the final scheduled events taking place in Metz on September 28, 2026.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, locations, crowd estimates and military-security details were checked against official French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Interior Ministry information. ([defense.gouv.fr](https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/securisation-cieux-venue-du-pape?trk=public_post_comment-text&utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Security arrangements can change during a major public event, and authorities may limit operational details for safety reasons.