Visit will help boost Vatican’s Asia-Pacific influence

Significance This was the longest trip of his tenure to date. He championed key themes of his pontificate, such as interfaith dialogue, inclusive development and tackling wealth inequality. Impacts The Vatican’s growing focus on Asia could prompt the expansion of its diplomatic corps there. Asia’s sizeable representation in the Church’s College of Cardinals will give the continent a major say in the election of the next pope. The number of Asian Catholics will likely increase steadily.