Catholic Bishops of Nigeria in Rome for Ad Limina Visit
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria is currently in Rome for the traditional Ad Limina Apostolorum visit, a significant event in the life of the Catholic Church that brings bishops from across the world to meet with the Pope and reflect on the state of their dioceses.
The Ad Limina Apostolorum, a Latin phrase meaning “to the thresholds of the Apostles,” refers to the obligatory visit Catholic bishops make to Rome to pray at the tombs of Saints Saint Peter and Saint Paul the Apostle, the two principal apostles of the Church.
During the visit, the bishops also meet with the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, to present reports on the pastoral, spiritual and administrative conditions of their dioceses. The meetings provide an opportunity for dialogue on the challenges facing the Church and ways to strengthen pastoral activities in their regions.
The practice dates back to the early centuries of Christianity when pilgrims travelled to Rome to venerate the Apostles. Over time, the Church formalised the requirement for bishops to report on their dioceses.
In 1909, Pope Pius X established the modern system requiring bishops to undertake the visit every five years. The current guidelines are contained in the 1983 Code of Canon Law.
Apart from praying at the major basilicas in Rome, the bishops also meet with officials of various Vatican departments to discuss issues affecting the Church in their countries.
The Ad Limina visit remains an important expression of unity between local dioceses and the universal Catholic Church, while also reinforcing the bishops’ pastoral accountability and communion with the Holy See.