By Kristina Millare
Rome Newsroom, May 12, 2025 / 14:24 pm
Pope Leo XIV, hailing from Chicago, has traveled extensively to various countries both as prior general of the Order of St. Augustine and as a member of the Roman Curia. His journeys have been filled with pastoral visits and Mass celebrations, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he has visited.
Let’s take a look at some of the countries Pope Leo XIV has visited or been based for pastoral reasons outside the U.S. in the last three decades, listed in alphabetical order.
Australia
During his tenure as prior general of the Augustinians, Pope Leo XIV visited Australia in 2002 and 2005. In 2002, he graced Villanova College in Brisbane, Queensland, with his presence. Three years later, he journeyed to New South Wales to visit his fellow Augustinians and lead Mass at Holy Spirit Parish in western Sydney.
Democratic Republic of Congo
In 2009, Pope Leo XIV inaugurated an Augustinian university in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. His visit emphasized the importance of education and included meetings with families and communities in conflict-ridden villages. He also made a trip to the Bas-Uélé province to connect with his confreres.
India
Pope Leo XIV made two significant visits to India in 2004 and 2006 during his time as prior general of the Augustinians. His travels took him to communities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where he engaged with the local populations and spread messages of peace and unity.
Pope Leo XIV’s Global Travels
In 2004, Pope Leo XIV had the honor of concelebrating the priestly ordination of six deacons from his order at St. Francis Xavier Church in Kerala, India. Kerala is home to a large population of Indian Catholics who belong to the Syro-Malabar Church.
Indonesia
His journey took him to Papua, Indonesia in 2003, where he commemorated an anniversary of the Order of St. Augustine in the Diocese of Sorong in Jayapura. During his time there, he listened to the stories of those affected by armed conflict and civil unrest in the region.
Kenya
Between 2011 and 2025, Pope Leo XIV made multiple visits to Kenya. In 2024, he presided over the consecration and dedication of a chapel at the Augustinian International House of Theology in Nairobi, emphasizing the importance of faith and unity among Catholics.
Nigeria
Reports from the Nigeria Catholic Network indicate that Pope Leo XIV visited Nigeria at least nine times between 2001 and 2016. He played a key role in establishing and strengthening the Augustinian order’s presence in the country.
Peru
Pope Leo XIV’s missionary journey began in 1985 when he was sent to Peru shortly after his ordination. He served as the local prior for his religious community and later held positions as a judicial vicar and professor in the Archdiocese of Trujillo. After stints in Chicago and Rome, he returned to Peru in 2014 as the head of the Diocese of Chiclayo, and in 2020, he was appointed as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Callao.
