His Excellency Archbishop Joseph Arshad, Archbishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, has stated that from 11–16 May 2026, members of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference will undertake their Ad Limina Apostolorum visit to Rome. The Ad Limina visit normally takes place every five years, and its purpose is to strengthen the bishops’ communion with the Universal Church and with the Successor of Saint Peter, the Pope.
The bishops’ visit combines prayer — including visits to the tombs of the Apostles — a series of meetings with the various dicasteries (departments) of the Roman Curia in the Holy See to share their pastoral experiences, and a meeting with the Holy Father.
During the visit, the bishops will meet with officials of the Secretariat of State and different dicasteries of the Roman Curia. These dicasteries hold special significance because of their close collaboration with the Pope in his mission of leadership of the Universal Church. The bishops will discuss the situation of the Church in Pakistan, including its pastoral realities, challenges, and mission.
Prior to the Ad Limina visit, each diocesan bishop submits a detailed report on his diocese to the Holy See. The report describes the actual situation of the Church in that diocese — including an overview of pastoral life, facts and figures, major challenges, and relations with non-Catholic and non-Christian religious communities, civil society, and public authorities. These reports are studied and summarized for presentation to the Holy Father, allowing him to become acquainted with the realities of each diocese before meeting the bishops.
On 15 May 2026, the bishops will collectively have an audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. As part of their Ad Limina visit, the bishops will concelebrate Holy Mass at the four major papal basilicas in Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran.
His Excellency Archbishop Joseph Arshad invited all faithful to pray for the success of the Ad Limina visit. He also prayed that Almighty God may bless and strengthen our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV and guide all in the ways of faith, unity, and peace, so that together we may continue to share the joy of the Gospel and promote harmony among all people, especially within the Universal Church.
