The first group of members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, shortly after concluding their 2026 First Plenary Assembly, have departed for Rome for their Ad Limina Apostolorum Visit. We give thanks to God for their safe arrival in the Vatican City.
The Ad Limina Apostolorum Visit is the periodic visit that diocesan bishops make to Rome, usually every five years. The Latin expression means “to the thresholds of the Apostles,” referring to prayer at the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul in St Peter's Basilica and Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, as well as in the other Major Papal Basilicas, Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran and Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
During the visit, the bishops pray, renew their apostolic commitment, meet with the Roman Curia, and have an audience with the Holy Father while presenting a report on the pastoral life of their dioceses. It is a profound expression of communion with the successor of Peter and with the universal Church.
Ahead of the formal commencement of the Ad Limina from 1 to 16 March 2026, the bishops gathered yesterday and again this morning for Holy Mass in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, within Vatican City. This morning’s Mass was presided over by Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, who celebrates his birthday today. May the Lord grant him many more fruitful years. Amen.
We invite you to keep the bishops in your prayers, that their Ad Limina Visit may bear abundant fruit, strengthening the mission of the universal Church, and that God may grant peace to our troubled world.
