A TRAGIC year leads to nearly 4 MILLION pilgrims visiting the Vatican during 2016

Over 3.9 million pilgrims attended papal events in 2016.

This year has been full of promises unfulfilled, catastrophic earthquakes, disgusting murders and terrorist rampages - but one light has been shining brightly, ever faithful to the Lord and His people.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Amid the depths of despair, millions sought solace at the world's most popular pilgrimage site - The Vatican.

There, pilgrims could catch a glimpse of the Holy Father, celebrate Mass with him and attend special events.

According to Aleteia, over 3.9 million pilgrims made their way to the Vatican in 2016.

They traveled far and wide for the Jubilee Year of Mercy, to participate in general audiences and to honor both the Pope and the Lord.

For every horrible event in 2016, Pope Francis offered not only prayers but also engaged in amazing activities.

The canonization of St. Mother Teresa in September brought the most pilgrims the Vatican had seen all year, with the event itself renewing hope and joy in the hearts of the Catholic community.

Pope Francis also traveled to Mexico, paid homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe, visited the Greek island Lesbos, Krakow, Poland and made a special trip to the Auschwitz death camp.

The pontiff's heart for refugees was on display time and time again throughout the year as he appealed to nations around the world, begging them to accept families without homes.

His Holiness set an example of love, forgiveness and faith that millions of pilgrims responded to - perhaps because the past year has been so stricken with grief and pain.

As the Bible says, "Be strong, stand firm, have no fear, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is going with you; he will not fail you or desert you (Deut. 31:6)."

Pope Francis does not show fear - he simply turns to God in troubled times.

Even when Europe was devastated by earthquakes and terrorist attacks, the Pontiff turned his eyes toward God and offered prayers.

Perhaps it is by this example people feel compelled to visit the Vatican, to listen to the Pope's words and to feel the presence of God.

Regardless of the reason, 2016 saw a jump in pilgrims but did not best the 5.9 million who visited Rome in 2014. If 2017 offers safer passage and fewer natural disasters, perhaps the Vatican will see even more pilgrims, all of whom journey to see the pontiff, the architecture, and to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.

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