Pope Francis’ Global Journey: A Dozen Years, 68 Countries, One Mission

Vatican City, 21 April, 2025 : In a remarkable 12-year pontificate, the late Pope Francis undertook an extraordinary mission that saw him visit 68 countries across the globe. Driven by an unwavering commitment to share the Word of God and extend the comfort of divine love, he emerged as a tireless ambassador of peace, compassion, and unity.

His travels spanned continents and cultures, reflecting a deeply human vision of the Church—one that transcended borders and reached out to the margins of society. From war-torn regions to remote communities, Pope Francis consistently delivered messages of hope, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal.

Each journey was more than a ceremonial visit; it was a deliberate act of presence. Whether embracing refugees, addressing world leaders, or praying with the faithful, the Pope’s actions underscored a core belief: that faith must be lived through solidarity and love.

Over the course of his papacy, Pope Francis journeyed across Africa, visiting:

Kenya, Uganda, and the Central African Republic in November 2015;

Egypt in April 2017;

Morocco in March 2019;

Mozambique, Madagascar, and Mauritius in September 2019;

and later Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan in early 2023.

In Asia, his pastoral outreach extended to:

South Korea (August 2014), Sri Lanka and the Philippines (January 2015);

Armenia (June 2016), Georgia (September 2016), Azerbaijan (October 2016);

Myanmar and Bangladesh (November 2017);

Thailand and Japan (November 2019);

Kazakhstan (September 2022);

and a final trio in Indonesia, Singapore, and Timor-Leste in September 2024.

His visits to the Americas began with Brazil in July 2013 and continued with:

Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay in July 2015;

Cuba and the United States in September 2015;

Mexico in February 2016;

Colombia in September 2017;

Chile and Peru in January 2018;

Panama in January 2019;

and Canada in July 2022.

In Europe, the Pope made multiple journeys that included:

Albania (September 2014), France and Turkey (November 2014);

Bosnia and Herzegovina (June 2015), Greece (April 2016 and December 2021);

Poland (July 2016), Sweden (October 2016), Portugal (May 2017 and August 2023);

Switzerland (June 2018), Ireland (August 2018);

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia (September 2018);

Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Romania (May 2019);

Hungary (September 2021 and April 2023), Slovakia (September 2021);

Cyprus (December 2021), Malta (April 2022);

Mongolia (September 2023), and Marseille, France (September 2023).

His pilgrimage through the Middle East was equally significant, as he visited:

Jordan, Israel, and Palestine in May 2014;

United Arab Emirates in February 2019—marking a historic first papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula;

Iraq in March 2021;

and Bahrain in November 2022.

As the world reflects on his legacy, Pope Francis is remembered not just as a spiritual leader, but as a global shepherd whose footsteps traced a path of healing and humility across nations. His journeys were a living testament to a pontificate deeply rooted in encounter, empathy, and enduring faith.

Courtesy: Vatican News