# Columbus reaches the Americas (1492)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1492-columbus-reaches-the-americas
Location: Caribbean
Themes: Persecution

Columbus' voyage opens the Americas to European colonization and Christian missions. At this point in the timeline (12 October 1492), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Alexander VI (11 August 1492 – 18 August 1503).

## Why it matters
Columbus reaches the Americas mattered because it carried Christianity to new peoples and regions, changing the map of world Christianity.

Pope at the time: [Pope Alexander VI](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-alexander-vi)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Voyages of Christopher Columbus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyages_of_Christopher_Columbus)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Columbus reaches the Americas](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Columbus+reaches+the+Americas)
- [Wikipedia — Medieval Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Middle_Ages)