Conducted by Vatican Tickets & Tours and Colosseum Tickets & Tours, two platforms that closely track global travel to Rome, this survey offers a quick glimpse at what the papacy means to today’s travelers. And perhaps the world at large.
The results? Some were expected. Others, not at all. But one thing is clear: with 35 million people expected to visit the Vatican during the Jubilee Year, the Pope remains a global symbol: not just for the faithful, but for anyone seeking hope, peace, and connection.
In just five days, a total of 22,019 respondents from over 80 countries took part. All were actively planning or booking their trip to the Vatican. Travel trends expert at Vatican Tickets & Tours, Magdalena Petrušić, explains: “We noticed the first peak in ticket sales right after Pope Francis was hospitalized. This made us wonder: how do travelers truly feel about modern-day popes? So, we decided to ask them directly.”
Survey results (22,019 respondents):
Pope St. John Paul II (1978–2005): 11,161 votes (50.69%)
Pope Francis (2013–present): 7,805 votes (35.45%)
Pope Benedict XVI (2005–2013): 1,750 votes (7.95%)
Pope St. Paul VI (1963–1978): 1,303 votes (5.92%)
Pope St. John Paul II (1978–2005): 11,161 votes (50.69%)
Pope Francis (2013–present): 7,805 votes (35.45%)
Pope Benedict XVI (2005–2013): 1,750 votes (7.95%)
Pope St. Paul VI (1963–1978): 1,303 votes (5.92%)
From Poland to Japan: what the World really thinks about the Popes
Unsurprisingly, Polish travelers showed near-unanimous love for their national hero, Pope St. John Paul II, with a remarkable 85.84% of votes. But the surprises came quickly after that. Despite being born in Germany, Pope Benedict XVI, known for his theological rigor and quiet presence, didn’t top the charts in his homeland — he received just 24.25%, falling behind John Paul II and Francis.
In Argentina, where you might expect hometown loyalty for Pope Francis, the result was nearly a draw: Francis led with 53.44%, but John Paul II followed closely with 46.56%. That’s some serious papal nostalgia. Even in Brazil, the world’s largest Catholic nation, the late Polish pope still reigns: 58.01% chose John Paul II, compared to 41.99% for Francis. And while smaller in number, nearly 6% chose Pope St. Paul VI — a sign that many still value the pope who helped the Church step into the modern world.
Popes resonate with different worlds
Pope St. John Paul II led in countries with strong Catholic heritage and long-standing European ties, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Brazil, often places where his moral authority and historical presence left a lasting legacy. Pope Francis, on the other hand, emerged as the favorite in more socially progressive, globally engaged nations, including Canada, Portugal (76.72%), South Korea, and Japan. His messages of compassion, environmental awareness, and social justice appear to resonate most in countries where faith often intersects with civic values and global outlook. The contrast may reveal more than preference: it’s a quiet split between memory and meaning — and both still matter.
Perhaps the most surprising votes came from places like Turkey, Egypt, and even China — a reminder that the papacy isn’t just a religious office. It’s a global voice.
The West: a mixed papal landscape
In the United States, 47.31% of respondents chose John Paul II, with Francis close behind. In the UK, John Paul II also led with 51.2%, while Francis garnered solid support across demographics. But Canada leaned the other way — Pope Francis came out on top with 52.19%, signaling how each nation’s cultural climate and religious sensibilities shape their connection to the papacy.
Ukraine and Russia: faith in times of crisis
Even in regions marked by war and deep division, people continue to travel — searching for meaning, comfort, and peace. However, here too, a distinction is visible. In Ukraine, John Paul II received overwhelming support (68.71%). In Russia, responses were more divided, with votes shared between John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and Francis receiving 20.99%. In moments of instability, the papacy remains a beacon not just of faith — but of peace, reassurance, and continuity.
A global moment of hope
There’s reason to believe these travelers are more than just visitors. They’re seekers. Witnesses. Part of something much bigger, a quiet force for good. Travel expert Petrušić sums it up: “The results reflect what we see every day: travelers who are engaged, thoughtful, and in search of meaning. Their answers capture a world that wants peace, connection, and stability.” In 2025, all roads truly lead to Rome. Whether you’re going out of devotion, curiosity, or a desire to be part of something timeless — this is a journey you won’t forget.
