Embarking on a journey that spanned 12 years, Pope Francis made his mark by visiting 68 countries, carrying with him the Word of God and the love of Christ to all corners of the world.
By Linda Bordoni
From Rio to Ajaccio, Pope Francis crisscrossed the globe on 47 Apostolic Visits, covering vast distances to spread a message of closeness to every continent. His humble demeanor was evident from the start, captured in a simple photograph of him boarding a plane with his little black bag in tow.
Throughout his travels, Pope Francis eschewed the use of an armored vehicle, opting instead for a simple car or an open-air jeep to connect with people on a personal level. His first foreign trip was to Lampedusa, a symbolic choice that underscored his commitment to the poor and migrants seeking safety and a better future.
Symbolically embracing the peripheries, Pope Francis used his visits to call for justice, peace, inclusion, and love for all humanity. Despite facing health challenges, he never wavered in his mission, delivering messages of accountability to political leaders and words of compassion to the faithful.
His travels were not just diplomatic visits but pilgrimages of peace and reconciliation, urging politicians to prioritize the common good over partisan interests. From Colombia to Mongolia, Pope Francis showed unwavering support for the marginalized and the vulnerable, embodying the spirit of a loving shepherd.
His visits were marked by moments of joy and connection, as he shared in the lives of the people he met, whether under the scorching African sun or amidst the vibrant colors of Papua New Guinea. While a visit to his home country of Argentina never materialized, Pope Francis made every place he visited feel like home, embracing each person as a brother or sister.
