Pope Leo XIV does not plan to travel to the United States in 2026, despite reports suggesting a possible return to his home country in the coming months. Recent reports from the Vatican indicate this, tempering expectations around a high-profile papal visit.
Speculation gained momentum after Italian media reported that the pontiff might attend the UN General Assembly in New York in September, following the precedent of other popes who have addressed the United Nations. The possibility that the first pope born in the United States would return to participate in the events for the 250th anniversary of American independence had also been mentioned.
White House open invitation remains in effect
Although the trip is not on the agenda for 2026, Pope Leo XIV maintains a formal invitation to visit the United States. On May 19, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the pontiff received an invitation letter delivered by Vise President JD Vance, a practicing Catholic.
Vance met with Leo XIV in the Vatican along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a day after the pope’s inauguration ceremony, which fueled speculation about a visit to Washington.
Political tensions mark a potential papal trip
A potential visit by Pope Leo XIV to the United States would generate a significant media and pastoral impact, but it would also involve diplomatic challenges. The pontiff, born in Chicago, has expressed criticism of the immigration policy of Donald Trump’s government, which he described as “inhumane.”
Additionally, he has urged American Catholic bishops to speak out more firmly in defense of migrants, in a context of growing tensions between the Catholic Church and the federal government.
International agenda of Pope Leo XIV
Since his election on May 8, 2025, Leo XIV has made only one international trip, which included Turkey and Lebanon at the end of last year. In his most recent statements, the pontiff revealed that his next destination will be Africa, with a planned visit to Algeria, focused on promoting interreligious dialog between Christians and Muslims.
A visit to Peru is also being considered, a country where León XIV served for years as a missionary and bishop, which would strengthen his pastoral bond with Latin America.
