Holy See takes to the holy skies

DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images

The discount airline craze that dominates Europe's airways took a leap of faith on Monday. In hopes of getting more Catholic pilgrims out to religious sites, the Vatican is now providing low-cost charter flights from seven Italian airports to places like the shrine of Fátima in Portugal, Santiago de Compostela in Spain, and the Jasna Gora monastery in Czestochowa, Poland. Signing a five-year agreement with Mistral Air, a parcel transport company founded by Italian movie star Bud Spencer, the airline is hoping to transport 150,000 passengers a year to their divine destinations (and hopefully make a worldly profit in the meantime). 

But not even God's nod of approval can shield you from the cut-throat competition on the runway these days. Here is what Ryanair, another bargain carrier, said of its new rival:

Ryanair already performs miracles that even the Pope's boss can't rival, by delivering pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela for the heavenly price of €10.

But is the Ryanair flight crew "specialized in voyages of a sacred nature"? Didn't think so. Nor do they have "I'm Searching for Your Face, Lord," imprinted on headrest covers throughout the cabin. And for those tired of the same old, mainstream in-flight entertainment, the Vatican's flights will be broadcasting religious videos instead. No word yet on whether Pope Benedict XVI, who usually charters a private plane for his voyages, might be next to you at the check-in.