The Catholic Bishops of Uganda, under the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), are currently in Rome to participate in the traditional “ad limina apostolorum” visit, a key moment in the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
The term ad limina apostolorum is Latin for “to the thresholds of the apostles.” During the visit, bishops pay homage at the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul and meet officials of the Roman Curia, culminating in a private audience with the Pope.
The Ugandan bishops departed on Saturday, March 14, and celebrated Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran—the Pope’s Cathedral and the oldest basilica in Rome—on Tuesday, March 17. Their visit is scheduled to conclude on March 21, 2026. All serving bishops from Uganda’s dioceses are participating, totaling 18 of the 19 dioceses. The Jinja Diocese is currently under the Apostolic Administration of Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo of the Tororo Archdiocese.
At the heart of the ad limina visit are Masses at Rome’s four major papal basilicas: St. Peter’s, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major. In addition, the bishops meet with officials from various Vatican departments, receiving guidance, updates, and encouragement on faith, Church governance, and evangelization.
The ad limina visit is a mandatory pilgrimage for Catholic bishops worldwide, typically conducted every five years according to schedules set by the Holy See. Bishops present reports on the pastoral and administrative state of their dioceses and meet with the Pope to strengthen the bond between the local and universal Church.
According to Rev. Fr. Miguel Silvestre of the Work of the Church, a pontifical institution assisting visiting bishops in Rome, the origins of the ad limina visit date back to the fourth century, with the practice becoming obligatory in the sixth century and later codified in canon law. St. John Paul II gave renewed emphasis to these visits, highlighting their role in fostering unity within the episcopate.
Fr. Silvestre noted that ad limina meetings “manifest the ecclesial and hierarchical communion of a country’s bishops, connecting local Churches with the universal Church through their union with the Holy Father.”
During this visit, the Ugandan bishops will meet Pope Leo XIV for the first time since his election in May 2025 and hold discussions with leaders of various Vatican departments. Each bishop will present a “quinquennial report,” detailing diocesan activities in liturgy, education, evangelization, communications, social teaching, and finances.
The pilgrimage strengthens unity between local dioceses and the Pope. A spiritual highlight is prayer at the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul, where bishops reaffirm their commitment to the apostolic mission. The visit also offers time for reflection and renewal, allowing bishops to return to their dioceses spiritually fortified and affirmed in their pastoral responsibilities.
