On May 8, 2026, Archbishop Joseph Arshad, Bishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, announced that members of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference will undertake a visit to Rome and the Vatican City from May 11 to 16, during which they will also have a special meeting with Pope Leo XIV.
Archbishop Joseph Arshad explained that the “Ad Limina” visit takes place every five years and is intended to strengthen ecclesial unity, mutual communication, and spiritual ties between Catholic bishops from around the world and the Holy Father.
He further stated that during the visit, the Pakistani bishops will meet with senior officials of various Vatican institutions and departments. Discussions during these meetings will focus on matters such as the current situation of the Church in Pakistan, challenges faced by the Christian community, Church administration, pastoral activities, and the promotion of interfaith harmony.
Archbishop Arshad added that each bishop from Pakistan has already submitted a detailed report on the condition of his respective diocese to the Vatican so that the Holy Father may be fully informed about the current state and ministries of the Church in Pakistan.
He also said that on May 15, the Pakistani bishops will have a collective audience with Pope Leo XIV. The delegation will also participate in special liturgical celebrations and prayer services at major historic churches in Rome.
Archbishop Arshad appealed to the faithful to pray for the success of the visit, for the growth of the Church in Pakistan, and for global peace and harmony.
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