Pope Leo XIV has expressed a clear desire to visit Portugal, fueling growing expectations that a future papal trip will include the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of the world’s most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites. 

While the Vatican has confirmed there is no imminent official visit being planned, recent diplomatic and ecclesiastical signals suggest the visit remains under active consideration.

The Apostolic Nuncio in Lisbon has publicly stated, in the past week, that the Pope will “certainly” visit Fátima, reflecting confidence within diplomatic and ecclesiastical circles. 

Although no such confirmation has yet been issued by the Holy See Press Office, there are strong indications from within the Church hierarchy that Portugal is a priority destination for the pontiff.

Most recently, Portuguese cardinals have formally invited Pope Leo XIV to visit the Sanctuary of Fátima on May 13, 2027, marking the 110th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima.

Pope Leo XIV himself has identified Fátima as one of the places he most wishes to visit, underscoring the shrine’s enduring global significance. The Pontiff remarked recently that he would love to travel and that his top destinations are the Marian shrines of Fátima in Portugal and Guadalupe in Mexico.

The prospect of a papal visit gained renewed attention following a meeting between Pope Leo XIV and former Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, during which an invitation to visit Portugal was reiterated. Portuguese Church leaders have also extended invitations for specific milestones, including the May 13 celebrations and future anniversary commemorations tied to the 1917 apparitions.

PAJ/Staff