American pope fuels Rome tourism boom as U.S. pilgrims flood the city

The election of Pope Leo XIV is drawing big-spending U.S. tourists to Rome, reviving local businesses and boosting the Eternal City’s economy.

Photos of Pope Leo XIV are displayed at a souvenir shop in Rome, Italy, on May 11, 2025. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/Nur

By Widya Putri and Hayu Andini

The election of the first American pope is already having an unexpected but welcome consequence for the city of Rome — a surge in tourism driven by American pilgrims. Businesses across the Italian capital are reporting a marked uptick in interest and spending following the elevation of Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost to the papacy as Pope Leo XIV.

Rome's cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and historic landmarks are no strangers to tourists, but the arrival of an American pontiff has injected new energy into the Eternal City's tourism sector, with Americans at the center of it all.

Local businesses benefit from American visitors

In the heart of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods known for its narrow alleyways and historic churches, local restaurateurs are already feeling the benefits of the new wave of American visitors.

“We're really pleased. It’s great for business,” said Cristiano Bolognesi, a local restaurant owner. “Americans don’t spend as much as they used to, but they still bring dollars. I think we’ll see the full impact in the months ahead.”

Rome has long been a favorite destination for U.S. tourists, who have consistently ranked among the city's most generous spenders and tippers. With Pope Leo XIV now residing within the Vatican walls, American interest in Rome has only intensified.

A pontiff's homeland draws pilgrims

At Rome's City Hall, tourism councilor Alessandro Onorato expressed confidence that the election of Pope Leo XIV would further increase tourist flows from the United States — already one of the most important markets for Roman tourism.

“In 2024, half of the five million tourists who visited Rome came from the United States,” Onorato said. “And the trend continued in the first months of 2025. Between January and February, we saw 313,000 American tourists out of a total of 633,000 visitors.”

The excitement in the United States over Pope Leo’s election has reached beyond church pews. With the U.S. home to the fourth largest Catholic population in the world, many faithful are now looking to travel to Rome to witness what they see as a historic moment.

American values resonate with many

Rick and Karla, tourists from Texas, stood in awe outside St. Peter’s Basilica where the newly elected pope made his debut appearance. “It’s not just that he’s American,” said Karla, “it’s also about his mission for social justice and compassion. That speaks to people beyond the Catholic faith.”

Rick added, “We’re among the Americans who believe in supporting immigrants. With Leo, we see a different message than what we hear back home from politicians like Donald Trump.”

For many U.S. citizens, Pope Leo XIV represents not only a spiritual leader but also a symbol of inclusivity and global outreach, a stark contrast to recent political rhetoric.

Travel agencies prepare for pilgrimage boom

Travel agencies in Rome are preparing for a notable increase in demand from U.S. dioceses and Catholic organizations. Stefano Corbari, head of Fiavet Lazio, a federation of regional travel agencies, explained that American tourism is already strong and poised for further growth.

“We saw a boom in U.S. tourism last year,” Corbari said. “American dioceses are usually very well organized. Starting next year, they’ll begin booking pilgrimage trips in larger numbers.”

A February survey by the European Travel Commission found that 33 percent of American tourists traveling to Europe budget more than 200 euros a day. This compares favorably to 29 percent of Chinese tourists and 20 percent of Canadians.

“It’s no longer the golden age of lavish American spending, but they still travel with substantial budgets,” Corbari explained. “They expect a high level of quality, and because they travel for shorter periods, they spend more per day.”

South American appeal also rises

Pope Leo XIV's previous missionary work in Peru may also boost interest from South American pilgrims. Restaurant owner Bolognesi believes this could create a secondary wave of tourism. “South Americans are great clients too. And with Leo’s background, they’ll come.”

The new pontiff’s international experience and emphasis on social outreach are expected to resonate with diverse communities across the Americas.

Rome’s tourism industry eyes revival

Tourism accounts for over six percent of Italy’s GDP directly and nearly 13 percent when including related industries like restaurants, culture, and transportation. A boom in religious tourism led by U.S. pilgrims could significantly boost Rome’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

The Vatican, which reported nearly 70 million euros in losses in 2023, is also hoping to benefit. Its world-renowned museums, often a major attraction for visiting Catholics and art lovers, are expecting a rise in ticket sales in the coming months.

Local concerns about overtourism resurface

Not everyone in Rome welcomes the surge in visitors. Like many European cities, the Italian capital has long struggled with the effects of overtourism. In late 2024, city officials proposed new restrictions aimed at controlling the tourist influx.

Among the ideas floated are entrance fees for landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and tighter regulations on short-term vacation rentals. Authorities have repeatedly stressed the need to make tourism more sustainable — both for the environment and the city’s residents.

This message of sustainability echoes themes championed by Pope Leo XIV’s predecessor, Pope Francis, who frequently emphasized environmental stewardship and social equity.

A new chapter for Rome and the Catholic Church

With Pope Leo XIV’s rise, Rome is witnessing a blend of spiritual significance and economic opportunity. As American pilgrims fill the Eternal City’s churches, restaurants, and museums, they’re contributing to a religious revival with real-world impact.

For now, businesses like Bolognesi’s restaurant are content to ride the wave. “We’ve already seen more Americans since the election,” he said. “And we’re ready for more.”

The convergence of faith, identity, and economics is not new to Rome, but the election of an American pope has added a new dimension to the city’s ever-evolving narrative — one that promises both spiritual inspiration and commercial rejuvenation.