Rev. Fr. Ambrose K. Dada

There have been many remarkable articles and testimonies about Pope Francis's life and times. Still, one aspect of his papacy stands out distinctly: His historic visits to countries where no Pope had ever set foot.

Pope Francis has many firsts to his name: He is the first Jesuit Pope, the first Pope from South America, specifically Argentina, and the first to adopt the name "Francis," inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, the Saint known for his radical simplicity and love for the marginalized. True to that spirit, Pope Francis seemed to have prioritized nations often overlooked by global leaders, even within the Catholic Church.

His first-ever Papal appearances in Mongolia, Myanmar, North Macedonia, Iraq, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and South Sudan were not mere diplomatic tours. They were profound acts of solidarity and hope, sending a clear message: No nation or people is too small or broken for the Church's attention. According to the Vatican News, in the 12 years of his pontificate, Pope Francis visited 68 countries and 47 Apostolic Visits. Seven of these visits were remarkable.

Myanmar: A Visit to a Troubled Land

In November 2017, Pope Francis visited Myanmar, a nation where Catholics represent only about 1.2% of the population. His visit came at a challenging time - the country was facing internal conflicts, and tensions were rising, particularly concerning the Rohingya crisis. Following the 2021 military coup, Myanmar has plunged deeper into civil war, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. In a land wrecked by suffering, the Pope’s message was simple: Peace, dignity, and dialogue.

North Macedonia: Encouraging a Small Church

In May 2019, Pope Francis visited North Macedonia, the birthplace of Mother Teresa. Beyond honoring her legacy, his visit aimed to support the tiny Catholic community — about 0.4% of a population exceeding two million. It was also an opportunity to encourage national unity in a country striving to heal from political and ethnic tensions. Notably, his visit occurred just two days after a heated presidential runoff election, underscoring his commitment to peacebuilding in fragile contexts.

United Arab Emirates: A Symbol of Unity

In February 2019, Pope Francis made an unprecedented visit to the United Arab Emirates. His open-air Mass at the Zayed Sports City Stadium drew over 135,000 worshippers, marking the largest public Christian gathering ever in the Gulf region. The event stood as a powerful symbol of religious coexistence and mutual respect in a predominantly Islamic society.

Iraq: Fulfilling a Papal Dream

In March 2021, Pope Francis fulfilled a long-standing dream of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, by visiting Iraq — the ancient land of Abraham. Despite security risks and political instability, the Pope travelled to Ur, Baghdad, Mosul, and Qaraqosh, meeting with Muslim, Christian, and Yazidi communities devastated by years of conflict. His visit carried a poignant message of healing and reconciliation.

Bahrain: A Prayer for Peace

In November 2022, Pope Francis journeyed to the Kingdom of Bahrain, becoming the first pontiff to visit the country. His engagements included prayers at the Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral and Mass at the Bahrain National Stadium. The visit emphasized religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue in a region often marked by sectarian divisions.

South Sudan: Walking for Peace 

In February 2023, after visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pope Francis travelled to South Sudan, a country scarred by civil war that claimed approximately 400,000 lives between 2013 and 2018. Addressing the faithful at St. Theresa’s Cathedral in Juba, he urged the people to "dirty their hands" in service to one another and called for an end to tribalism, corruption, and favouritism — the roots of much of the nation’s suffering.

Mongolia: Strengthening a Tiny Church

In September 2023, Pope Francis visited Mongolia, a vast nation where Catholics number fewer than 1,500 among a predominantly Buddhist population. His trip realized the vision of Pope John Paul II, who had long hoped to visit Mongolia but was prevented by deteriorating health. Here again, Francis demonstrated his commitment to small, often forgotten communities.

A Pope for the "Simple" Nations

What ties all these historic visits together is a powerful thread: Pope Francis’ fidelity to the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. He chose to include visits to "simple" nations in his itinerary, those with small Catholic populations or those embroiled in political and humanitarian crises. This is contrary to the logic of the world, which is always willing to choose might and wealth. Francis chose the peripheries, reminding the world that dignity and attention are owed equally to the least visible among us.

Pope Francis has given the world a compelling leadership vision in choosing the “forgotten”: Humble, courageous, and relentlessly focused on the margins.

May the soul of the servant of God, Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.  Amen!