Summary
Pope Leo XIV, who will become Pope Leo XIII in 2026, has stated that he will not travel to the United States during his first year as pope and the country’s semiquincentennial celebrations. The Vatican clarified this decision in response to speculation about a high-profile visit to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly in September. Initially expected due to the United States’ 250th anniversary, the trip has been postponed by several factors including Leo’s caution against being labeled as an “American pope,” his preference for a global identity, and practical considerations such as Cardinal Christoph Pierre’s age past retirement. The Vatican also avoided scheduling the visit during election season in November, ensuring it would not be too close to U.S. midterm elections. Leo has expressed his intention to visit Spain later this year, potentially in June, and Peru is expecting a visit between November and December, aligning with Leo’s missionary background in northern Peru. The Vatican will announce Leo’s trip to Africa after Easter, including visits to Algeria, Angola, and other African countries. Early papal returns home are not uncommon; examples include Pope John Paul II visiting his native Poland eight months after assuming the papacy and Pope Benedict XVI traveling to Germany for World Youth Day 2005.
Key Topics
Pope Leo XIV, United States, semiquincentennial
