Putting Countries on the Map? Pastoral Visits of John Paul II and International Trade

Abstract During his pontificate from 1979 until 2005, Pope John Paul II visited 130 countries, more than the 263 popes before him combined. I document a significant increase in exports to trading partners with a relatively high share of Catholics following a pastoral visit, leading to a non-negligible increase in aggregate exports. The biggest beneficiaries in terms of increased trade are visited countries that are at lower stages of economic development and have relatively fewer Catholics and relatively weaker trade links. The effect is absent for other prominent episodes, such as visits by celebrated secular leaders or global sports events.