Pope Francis announces Japan visit in November

At least he's picked a sensible month to travel. Not too hot and not too cold.

Hey, I wonder if he will preach open borders to the Japanese like he did to the Americans...

But... japan don't have borders ...

Hope he gets the lukewarm reception he deserves.

You may not be Catholic, or even a little bit religious, but he is a visiting head of state. and the Catholic church has a rich history in Japan.

You may not be Catholic, or even a little bit religious, but he is a visiting head of state. and the Catholic church has a rich history in Japan.

Lol! You do know the full history of Christianity in Japan, right?

Do I know the full history of Christianity in Japan? No, I don't pretend to. But, I do know that Christians, both Japanese and foreign, were tortured and killed for their faith And yet, Christians and the Catholic church are still here.

Plus, he likely wants to pay his respects to the new emperor.

Interesting relationship between Japan and the Catholic Church; back in the day, the samurai used to make suspected Christians ”踏み絵”（Fumie) or step on a picture of Christ to show their allegiance to Japan and not the Catholic Church.