When Pius XII proclaimed him Patron Saint of Tourism in 1952, the world was undergoing a profound transformation: the era of modern tourism had begun, driven by air transport, post-war economic growth and growing international openness. In this context, the Pope saw that the figure of Saint Francis Xavier embodied essential values for the emerging phenomenon of travel: curiosity about others, willingness to learn from one another, respect for the cultures visited and the ability to recognise oneself through discovering the world. His designation did not respond solely to religious motives, but also to a holistic vision of tourism as a means to promote peace, cooperation and understanding among nations.
The profile of Saint Francis Xavier also fits with a dimension of tourism that is often overlooked: its transformative power. Travelling is not only about moving from one place to another; it is exposing oneself to what is different, allowing the journey to change one’s perceptions, sensibilities and attitudes. In his letters and testimonies, Xavier shows a spirit in constant evolution, learning from others and finding in each territory an opportunity to grow. That spirit is now an essential pillar of contemporary tourism ethics, which calls for valuing cultural diversity, preserving the authenticity of destinations and avoiding any form of negative impact on host communities.
Another reason why Saint Francis Xavier remains a significant figure in tourism is his ability to bring worlds together. He was a bridge between East and West at a time when geographical distances were also cultural and political distances. His journeys fostered an initial exchange of knowledge, traditions, languages and worldviews. That vocation for connection is, precisely, one of the driving forces of today’s tourism, understood as a web of relationships that can generate development, well-being and opportunities for communities when managed responsibly.
At a time when global tourism faces complex challenges—from sustainability to heritage management, and the balance between residents and visitors—the figure of Saint Francis Xavier regains relevance. His example invites us to reflect on the deeper meaning of travelling: to understand without imposing, to admire without appropriating, to participate without invading. It is a reminder that tourism must be built from an ethical perspective, in which local identities are respected and every destination is recognised as a living space that deserves protection and care.
Throughout these more than 70 years since his proclamation as Patron Saint of Tourism, Saint Francis Xavier has been invoked both by religious institutions and tourism organisations that recognise in him a reference of dialogue, encounter and fraternity. His legacy inspires those who work in destination promotion, visitor management or the creation of meaningful experiences. It also offers spiritual and human guidance to travellers themselves, who find in his life an invitation to travel with purpose, openness and responsibility.
Today, when millions of people move every day for cultural, leisure, business or spiritual reasons, remembering Saint Francis Xavier also means remembering the human dimension of travel. His life shows that movement can become an opportunity to build bridges, transform realities and discover the best of the world’s diversity. In his figure, history, spirituality and a global vision come together, making him, even today, a fully relevant symbol for international tourism.
