Blessed are the jet-setters.
A charter company is offering travelers an opportunity to travel in luxurious fashion on a nonstop flight from Chicago, the birthplace of Pope Leo XIV, to Italy’s renowned capital, marking his milestone as the first American pontiff.
Velocity Jets introduced an eye-catching advertisement inviting eager tourists to “Fly Like a Cardinal” and “Land Like a Legend” with an exclusive journey to Rome. The ad features an AI-generated image of a cardinal alongside two young, stylish nuns in their traditional attire, dancing inside a private jet with a DJ mixing tracks in the background.
“The white smoke has risen, and the decision has been made at the Vatican: Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago, has officially assumed leadership,” declared the ad, filled with religious-themed humor.
“Whether you’re spiritually inspired, historically intrigued, or just ready for Roman pasta and Prosecco, we’ve got your direct line to Vatican City.”
The Florida-based business said customers can expect to fly on their Gulfstream 550 — a 50.2-foot jet that seats eight passengers and cruises at speeds up to 509 mph — for the lavish excursion from the Windy City to the Eternal City.
The direct flight would include “Heavenly catering & Miraculous Car Service,” the company teased.
“Do you want guaranteed access to heaven-sent jets like this one — anytime, anywhere??” the playful faith-driven campaign pushed.
“This week, the Cardinals chose their leader. You just need to choose your aircraft.”
While Velocity Jets did not disclose the sanctified sum of the flights — flyers need to inquire for that — prices “ranged on average between $24,894 and $41,654 per flight,” according to a 2022 blog post on its website.
