PROVINCE REPORT
ROME: His Excellency Archbishop Joseph Arshad, Archbishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, announced that members of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference will undertake their Ad Limina Apostolorum visit to Rome from 11–16 May 2026.
The Ad Limina visit, held every five years, is a significant occasion aimed at strengthening the communion of bishops with the Universal Church and with the Successor of Saint Peter, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
During the visit, the bishops will engage in prayerful pilgrimages, including visits to the tombs of the Apostles, and hold formal meetings with various dicasteries of the Roman Curia in the Holy See. These sessions provide an opportunity to share pastoral experiences and discuss the mission and challenges of the Church in Pakistan.
The delegation will also meet officials of the Secretariat of State and other Vatican departments responsible for assisting the Pope in governing the Universal Church. Key topics of discussion will include the pastoral realities in Pakistan, interfaith relations, and the Church’s role in promoting peace, education, and social development.
Prior to the visit, each diocesan bishop submitted a detailed report to the Holy See outlining the situation of the Church in their respective dioceses, including pastoral activities, challenges, and engagement with civil society and religious communities. These reports will be reviewed and presented to the Holy Father to provide a comprehensive overview before the meeting.
On 15 May 2026, the bishops will have a collective audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. They will also concelebrate Holy Mass at the four major papal basilicas: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, and St. John Lateran.
Archbishop Joseph Arshad has requested the faithful to pray for the success of the visit, asking for divine blessings upon Pope Leo XIV and for guidance towards greater unity, faith, and peace within the Church and across communities worldwide.
