ETHIOPIA: Catholic Bishops Embark on Ad Limina Visit to Rome
By: Bezawit Assefa
The Ethiopian Catholic Bishops Conference went to the Holy See in Rome for their quinquennial Ad Limina visit with Pope Francis. This pilgrimage allows the Bishops to renew their bonds with the Holy Father, visit the tombs of Saints, explore Vatican Dicasteries, and share updates on the Ethiopian Catholic Church, including both its triumphs and its struggles.
The Ad Limina visit commenced on June 22, 2024, with two days of retreat and reflection. The Ad Limina visit continues with a series of meetings with Vatican Dicasteries. These meetings aim to align the Ethiopian Church’s thinking with that of the Holy See and Pope Francis.
The Ad Limina visit culminates on June 28, 2024, with a concelebration of Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica presided over by Pope Francis. Following the Mass, the Bishops will hold an extended meeting with the Pope to discuss fundamental Church matters. Under Pope Francis’ guidance, the Ad Limina visit will conclude with a reaffirmation of the Ethiopian Church’s commitment to its mission.
As part of their visit, the Bishops visited the Pontifical Ethiopian College in the Vatican, an institution with over a century of history. They met with college officials and students, fostering a sense of community and connection.
This Ad Limina visit holds particular significance as it marks the return of His Excellency Abune Tesfaselasie, Bishop of Eparchy of Adigrat, who was unable to attend previous Bishops gatherings for the past four years due to the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia.
While the Ad Limina visit typically occurs every five years, this gathering was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, this marks the first Ad Limina visit for Ethiopian Bishops in ten years in the presence of all Ethiopian Bishops united in prayer for peace in the Church and the Nation.
