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Putting countries on the cap? Pastoral visits of John Paul II and international trade

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  • Popov, Alexander

Abstract

During his reign from 1979 to 2005, Pope John Paul II visited 129 countries, more than the 263 Popes before him combined. I document a significant increase in exports to trading partners with a relatively high share of Catholics following a Pastoral visit, leading to a non-negligible increase in aggregate exports. The biggest beneficiaries in terms of increased trade are visited countries that are at lower stages of economic development and have relatively few Catholics and weak trade links. The effect is absent for other prominent episodes, such as global sports events or visits by political dignitaries. JEL Classification: Z12, O1, F1

Suggested Citation

  • Popov, Alexander, 2025. "Putting countries on the cap? Pastoral visits of John Paul II and international trade," Working Paper Series 3037, European Central Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecb:ecbwps:20253037
    Note: 861282
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    economic development; international trade; religion;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade

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