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During his reign, Pope John Paul II, known as "The Pilgrim Pope," made 146 pastoral visits within Italy and 104 international trips, covering over 1,167,000 km (725,000 mi), more than all previous popes combined. He attracted massive crowds, with some of the largest gatherings in history. While some destinations, such as the United States and Israel, had been visited by his predecessor Paul VI, many were unprecedented papal visits. John Paul II visited 129 countries, including nine visits to Poland, eight to France, seven to the United States, and five each to Mexico and Spain. His travels spanned six continents, reaching countries such as Albania, Brazil, India, Israel, and the Philippines.

Pope John Paul II's visit to Canada from September 9 to September 21, 1984, was a significant pilgrimage that underscored the Church's commitment to social justice and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. During his time in the country, the Pope traveled to major cities, including Ottawa, Toronto, and Calgary, where he celebrated Masses attended by thousands of faithful. He addressed pressing social issues, urging Canadians to work towards a more just and equitable society while also emphasizing the importance of family and community values. The Pope's meetings with Indigenous leaders were particularly poignant, as he acknowledged historical injustices and expressed the Church's desire to foster healing and dialogue. His visit left a lasting impact on Canadian Catholics and promoted a spirit of unity and renewal within the Church, encouraging a deeper engagement with the challenges facing society.