Popes were once confined to Rome. Now they travel the world – and Francis’ current journey is particularly significant
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This article examines Pope Francis’ continuation of the tradition of papal apostolic journeys, focusing on his recent visit to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the longest trip of his papacy. Papal travel has evolved significantly over time, with early popes rarely venturing beyond Rome, except under political or pastoral necessity. However, since Pope Paul VI's groundbreaking travels in the mid-20th century, papal journeys have become a key tool of global diplomacy and religious outreach. This article explores the historical context of papal travel and highlights Pope Francis’ efforts to engage with contemporary global challenges such as interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance, and environmental stewardship. Francis’ recent trip redefines the role of apostolic journeys in a globalised world, reaffirming the Catholic Church’s commitment to addressing pressing issues on the international stage.
Source: Figshare
Author: von Guttner Sporzynski, Darius
Language: English
Subfield: History
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6958369861
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