Papal Visits

The Latest

Pan Ngath Orphanage (run by the Missionary Sisters of Charity) in Rumbek, South Sudan.

One year after papal visit, South Sudan still plagued by violence

Feb 16, 2024

By Tyler Arnold

More than a year after Pope Francis visited South Sudan, the country is still plagued with high levels of violent... Read more

Pope Francis receives a delegation from Vietnam’s Communist Party government at the Vatican on Jan. 18, 2024.

Could Pope Francis become the first pope to visit Vietnam?

Jan 18, 2024

By Courtney Mares

Vietnam has one of the largest Catholic populations among countries never visited by a pope. Pope Francis is keen to... Read more

Argentine President Javier Milei formally invited Pope Francis to visit his homeland of Argentina in a Jan. 8, 2024, letter.

Argentine president formally invites Pope Francis to visit native land

Jan 11, 2024

By Julieta Villar

The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, anticipated that the possible trip “will bring fruits of peace and brotherhood to all... Read more

Pope Francis speaking to journalists on the flight from Canada to Rome, Italy, on July 30, 2022

Full text: Pope Francis’ in-flight press conference from Canada

Jul 30, 2022

By Pope Francis

Pope Francis returned to Rome on Saturday after a week-long trip to Canada. During the July 24 to 30 trip,... Read more

Pope Francis and Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk.

Major archbishop hopes Pope Francis will visit Kyiv ‘as soon as possible’

Apr 4, 2022

By CNA Staff

The pope has said that a visit is “on the table.” Read more

The Church of St. Mary of Jesus in Valletta, Malta.

Facing declining Mass attendance, Malta’s Catholics hope papal visit will revitalize the faith

Mar 30, 2022

By Courtney Mares

More than 85% of Malta’s population are baptized Catholics. Read more

Pope Francis greets South Sudanese president Salva Kiir at the Vatican, April 11, 2019.

Pope Francis to visit Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan

Mar 3, 2022

By CNA Staff

The pope will travel to Kinshasa, Goma, and Juba. Read more

Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai, head of the Maronite Church. Credit: Aid to the Church in Need.

Cardinal: Lebanon’s political crisis poses challenge for papal trip

Mar 1, 2022

By Courtney Mares

‘We need stability,’ said Cardinal Rai. Read more

Pope Francis’ general audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Feb. 9, 2022.

Pope Francis will make 2-day visit to Malta in April

Feb 10, 2022

By CNA Staff

The trip is scheduled to take place on April 2-3. Read more

The flag of Slovakia, pictured in the country’s capital, Bratislava.

More Catholics to see Pope Francis in Slovakia as COVID rules eased

Sep 6, 2021

By CNA Staff

Papal events will no longer be limited to the fully vaccinated Read more

Pope Francis arrives at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Sept. 23, 2015

How the visit from Pope Francis prompted the House Speaker to resign

Apr 26, 2021

Former Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) shocked the country when he announced his resignation from Congress in 2015... Read more

E-Book: "Francis in Iraq," download all the Pope's messages

E-Book: 'Francis in Iraq' - Download all of Pope Francis' messages from his trip to Iraq

Mar 9, 2021

By CNA Staff

In this e-book you will find all the homilies, prayers and speeches that Pope Francis gave during his historic visit... Read more

Fr. Paschal Uche at his ordination in Brentwood Cathedral, Essex, England, Aug. 1, 2020. Ordination photo

Young Catholic who greeted Benedict XVI in Britain becomes a priest

Sep 18, 2020

Ten years ago, Paschal Uche greeted Pope Benedict XVI on behalf of young people in his country. Today, he is... Read more

Pope Francis. CNA file photo.

Pope Francis surprises ill religious sister with visit

Jul 31, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis took advantage of his lighter summer schedule to make a surprise visit to a convalescing Daughter of Charity... Read more

Kim Jong Un invites Pope Francis to meet in Pyongyang

Oct 9, 2018

By Courtney Mares

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has invited Pope Francis to meet in Pyongyang, a South Korean spokesman said Tuesday.... Read more

Screenshot.

Ahead of Colombia visit, Pope says world needs builders of peace, dialogue

Sep 4, 2017

Two days ahead of his symbolic visit to Colombia, Pope Francis sent a video message to the nation, telling citizens... Read more

For Irish ambassador, Pope Francis' visit is a very big deal

Jan 27, 2017

By Elise Harris

With Pope Francis set to visit Ireland in 2018 – making him the first Pope to visit the country in... Read more

Pope Francis at the Wednesday general audience in St Peters Square on June 17, 2015.

Pope to visit Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan

Apr 9, 2016

Pope Francis will journey this summer to Armenia, and will visit Georgia and Azerbaijan later in the year, the Vatican... Read more

Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi.

Vatican confirms papal trip to Turkey in November

Sep 12, 2014

By Elise Harris

A statement released by the Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will visit Turkey in November, where he is expected... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on June 4, 2014.

Pope Francis accepts invitation to visit Mexico

Jun 7, 2014

President Enrique Peña Nieto on Saturday announced that Pope Francis has accepted an invitation to visit Mexico.  Read more