Increasing number of Asian pilgrims to the Holy Land

May 04, 2016

An increasing number of Asians, especially Indonesians, are taking part in official pilgrimages to the Holy Land’s shrines, according to the Franciscan Pilgrims Office of the Custody of the Holy Land.

In 2015, more pilgrims came from Asia (59,668 pilgrims in 1,729 groups) than from North America (53,110 pilgrims), though the United States led the list of countries of origin, the Italian news agency SIR reported. 29,819 pilgrims came from Poland, 27,564 from Italy, and 19,922 from Indonesia, the nation with the largest population of Muslims.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Pilgrimages to the Holy Land: Asians are arriving in increasing numbers, notably Indonesians, Chinese and Indians. Is it a sign also for Europeans? (SIR)