One of the clear things about 2024 is that Pope Francis will make few trips. For the moment, he has only confirmed one, which is to Belgium. There, he will travel to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the Catholic University of Leuven.
The country's own kings invited the Pope during their visit to the Vatican.
It is not clear, however, if Pope Francis will go to Argentina, although on several occasions throughout 2023, he assured that he is planning on it. Another possible trip would be to Polynesia.
The Pope is also expected to resume trips within Italy. On May 18, he will most likely be in Verona, the city made famous by Shakespeare with “Romeo and Juliet.”
2024 will be crucial for the Vatican's relations with the Church in Germany. Rome has already sent several warnings to Germany because they fear that the Church there is using their synod to impose new governing bodies that rule over bishops. There is also concern that these new institutions will approve doctrines that go against what is proposed by the universal Church.
Speaking of synods, in October of 2024, the last phase of the Synod on Synodality will take place, an event that is promoting an internal reflection of the Church worldwide. Pope Francis hopes that the universal Church will use this process to work together and dialogue with different cultures.
POPE FRANCIS
If the holy people of God, with their pastors, from all parts of the world, nourish expectations, hopes and even some fears about the Synod that we are beginning, let us remember again that it is not a political meeting, it is not a parliament. It is a convocation in the Spirit.
At the end of 2024, Rome will host a world event: the Jubilee. More than 30 million people are expected to make the pilgrimage to the Eternal City. It will be the second Jubilee of Francis' pontificate, after the Jubilee of Mercy.
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