Pope Leo XIV on Saturday met with the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria who are currently in Rome for their Ad Limina Apostolorum visit.
The Ad Limina Apostolorum visit is a long-standing Catholic tradition in which bishops travel to the Vatican to meet the Pope and present reports on the pastoral activities, progress, and challenges facing their dioceses.
The meeting followed the conclusion of the Nigerian bishops’ conference where several issues affecting the Church in Nigeria were discussed.
A video shared on social media by the Vatican showed members of the Nigerian delegation presenting gifts to the pontiff during the visit.
Earlier, a group of 37 bishops from Nigeria held a meeting with the Pope on March 6, while another delegation of 35 bishops met with the Church leader on Saturday as part of the scheduled engagements.
Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8, 2025, and formally inaugurated on May 18, 2025.
The Pope is also expected to embark on his first apostolic journey to Africa in April, with scheduled visits to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
What you should know
The Ad Limina Apostolorum visit is a periodic obligation for Catholic bishops worldwide, usually held every few years.
During the visit, bishops meet the Pope and officials of the Roman Curia to discuss the spiritual, administrative, and social challenges facing their dioceses.
It also serves as an opportunity for bishops to strengthen ties with the Vatican and seek guidance on issues affecting the Church in their respective countries.
