Pope Francis tours in Buenos Aires, Italy, and the free option in downtown Buenos Aires.

"Do you want to follow Jorge Bergoglio's path before he became Pope Francis? This tour will give you a glimpse into what life was like for the 'Pope of the End of the World' in Buenos Aires."

This is how one of the guided tours about the life and work of Pope Francis is presented in Buenos Aires, after companies in the sector and guides observed a growth in demand for tourist experiences linked to his history and legacy.

From themed tours of the main sites in Buenos Aires, where he was born and spent his childhood, to guided tours of the Vatican, more and more travelers are looking to follow in the footsteps of the first non-European Pope and the highest authority of the Catholic Church.

In this context, the company Civitatis, which offers guided tours and excursions in Spanish around the world, reported a significant increase in bookings for tours dedicated to the life of the Supreme Pontiff, both in Argentina and Italy .

"The rise of religious tourism driven by Pope Francis demonstrates that his legacy will live on and continue to inspire people around the world," said Nicolás Posse, Country Manager for Civitatis Argentina and Business Development for Chile and Uruguay.

And he emphasized: " Themed trips are a growing trend , and experiences centered on the figure of the Holy Father combine history, spirituality, and social commitment, generating a significant impact on those who take them."

This trend had been observed in recent months, from the beginning of his health problems until his death on April 21: "Pope Francis' tour of Buenos Aires offered by the platform increased by more than 30%," Posse stated.

Furthermore, "there was an increase in bookings for all experiences related to the Papal See of the Vatican and its surroundings, demonstrating that its influence transcends the religious sphere and has become a reason to travel for both believers and those who value its history and teachings."

Among the most popular tours linked to the Pontiff on the Civitatis platform are:

This experience allows you to follow in Bergoglio's footsteps before becoming Pope , accompanied by a guide who is an expert in his life and work.

The circuit begins at 10 a.m. in the Flores neighborhood , his birthplace and where he spent his early years with his parents and four siblings.

There you will see the buildings where he received his first sacraments that awakened his religious vocation, the places he frequented in his youth, the origin of his passion for football at the San Lorenzo de Almagro Athletic Club, and the Church of San Francisco de Asís , where he met the Franciscan order from which he chose his papal name.

After going to the Basilica of San José de Flores, where he decided to consecrate his life to God at the age of 17, the last stop is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires , where thousands of people gathered to await the results of the conclave in which he was elected successor to Pope Benedict XVI.

The tour ends around 1:00 PM in Plaza de Mayo. This tour includes transportation and a bilingual guide.

The Vatican is the seat of the Catholic Church and has been home to Pope Francis since 2013.

This is one of the most popular religious tours at the moment, including a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel .

These guided tours offer preferential access to the museums that house the Church's largest art collection, including sculptures, paintings, and other works from different periods, as well as to St. Peter's Square and Basilica and the Sistine Chapel to appreciate Michelangelo's frescoes.

Other notable sites include the Map, Candelabra, and Carpet galleries, the Pineapple Courtyard, and the Raphael Rooms and Borgia Apartments.

This year, for the Jubilee, there is also the possibility of entering through the Holy Door.

The Pope chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the saint of poverty and humility.

In this medieval city, travelers can tour the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, where the saint's remains rest and where it has been a point of pilgrimage for the Pope.

You can also choose to take the Franciscan Trail, a tour of landscapes and monasteries associated with Franciscan spirituality.

This tour explores the places that influenced Jorge Bergoglio's journey as a priest and archbishop, from iconic temples to hidden corners filled with anecdotes about his life in Buenos Aires.

The meeting point is at the entrance to the Basilica of St. Francis , which not only inspired his papal name but was also a key place in his spiritual formation.

Near the church, there will be a talk about the figure of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, the order to which Pope Francis belongs.

"We'll continue the tour to a curious and meaningful spot: the newspaper stand at the corner of Hipólito Yrigoyen and Bolívar. This is where the Pope bought his newspaper daily, reflecting his interest in Argentina's social reality. Afterward, we'll head to Pasaje Roverano, where Romano's Peluquería is located. Did you know that Bergoglio used to get his hair cut there? This site will transport us into the daily life of the then Archbishop of Buenos Aires," explain the Civitatis tour organizers.

The next stop will be La Piedad, a Buenos Aires classic where Pope Francis used to meet with his friends and colleagues, before continuing to Bar Cabildo in Buenos Aires, another of Bergoglio's frequented spots. At this traditional café, there will be a discussion about his years in the city and his commitment to the most vulnerable.

The next stop will be the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, where the Pope carried out his pastoral work before being elected Supreme Pontiff.

Finally, you'll arrive at the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the most iconic spots on the tour. Pope Francis celebrated numerous masses here, leaving an indelible mark on the city's history.

After 1 hour and 45 minutes, the Free Tour will conclude with a clearer picture of Bergoglio's life before becoming the leader of the Catholic Church.

The activity is conducted with a Spanish-speaking guide. Reservations for groups of more than 6 people are not accepted, even if they are made on separate reservations. Therefore, the platform recommends that large groups choose the Pope Francis tour of Buenos Aires.