Catholic bishops from Uganda are preparing for an important pilgrimage to Rome, where they will meet Pope Leo XIV as part of a traditional Church visit known as the ad limina apostolorum.
The visit will begin on Sunday, 15 March, and will involve bishops from across the country under the Uganda Episcopal Conference. The bishops will represent Catholic believers in Uganda and discuss the progress, challenges, and hopes of their dioceses with the Vatican.
Among the bishops participating is Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lira in northern Uganda and Vice Chairman of the bishops’ conference. He said the visit is an important opportunity to present the concerns and aspirations of the faithful in his diocese to the Pope.
The ad limina visit is a special meeting that diocesan bishops are required to make to the Pope, usually every five years. During the visit, bishops report on the spiritual and pastoral situation in their dioceses and strengthen their relationship with the global Catholic Church.
While in Rome, the Ugandan bishops will meet officials from different Vatican departments, known as dicasteries, to discuss matters related to Church leadership, evangelization, and pastoral work. The visit will end with a meeting between the bishops and Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time the group will meet him together since his election.
Prayer will play a central role during the pilgrimage. The bishops will celebrate Mass and pray at the tombs of Saint Peter and Saint Paul the Apostle, two important apostles in the Christian faith.
Bishop Wanok encouraged Catholics in Uganda to support the journey through prayer. He said the bishops will carry the prayers, hopes, and challenges of the faithful with them during the pilgrimage.
Church leaders say the visit will also give the bishops time for reflection and renewal. By meeting the Pope and sharing experiences with Vatican leaders, they hope to return home strengthened in their mission of guiding and serving the people of God across Uganda.
