Xavier Leaves for East Indies

Date: April 7, 1541 • Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Francis Xavier leaves Lisbon on a mission to the Portuguese East Indies.

Francis Xavier, venerated as Saint Francis Xavier, was a Navarrese cleric and missionary. He co-founded the Society of Jesus and, as a representative of the Portuguese Empire, led the first Christian mission to Japan.

This milestone marked a defining occurrence in Portugal's and world history, leaving an indelible imprint on societal development, international relations, and cultural memory. Its enduring ramifications continue to be examined and commemorated by historians and scholars across the globe.