The Partner Newspaper

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has officially commenced its 2026 Ad Limina Apostolorum visit to the Holy See. This historic pilgrimage, which takes place approximately every five to eight years, serves as a formal act of communion between the Nigerian episcopate and the Successor of St. Peter.

Following their First Plenary Assembly in Abuja last month, where they elected a new executive team led by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, the bishops have shifted their focus to the “thresholds of the Apostles” in the Eternal City.

Key Highlights of the Visit

The visit is structured around three primary spiritual and administrative pillars:

Veneration at the Tombs of the Apostles: The Nigerian prelates have begun their stay with solemn liturgies at the four Major Basilicas of Rome. Reports from the Vatican indicate that the bishops paused for a moment of intense prayer at the tomb of the late Pope Francis, entrusting the challenges of the Nigerian nation to God’s providence.

Audience with Pope Leo XIV: The pinnacle of the visit is a scheduled collective and individual audience with the new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Each bishop will present a “Quinquennial Report,” providing an in-depth account of the spiritual and social state of their respective dioceses.

Meetings with the Roman Curia: The delegation is currently engaging with various Vatican Dicasteries, including the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Secretariat of State. Discussions are centered on:

A Context of Transition and Hope

This Ad Limina visit comes at a pivotal time for the Church in Nigeria. During the opening Mass at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, presided over by the immediate past president, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the bishops emphasized that they come to Rome to “drink from the source of unity.”

The visit also serves to further prepare the continent for Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey to Africa, scheduled for April 13–23, 2026. While Nigeria is not on the itinerary for that specific four-nation tour (which includes Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea), the Nigerian bishops are using their time in Rome to ensure the “vibrancy of the Nigerian Church” remains central to the Vatican’s African strategy.

The bishops are expected to conclude their official engagements in mid-March. Upon their return, the CBCN is anticipated to issue a follow-up statement detailing the Holy Father’s specific counsel for the Nigerian Church and the nation’s path toward stability.