Most of the bishops have now returned to Nigeria following the successful completion of their Ad Limina Apostolorum Visit, a sacred pilgrimage through which they renewed their communion with the Apostles and the Successor of Peter, and deepened their commitment to their pastoral mission. In this spirit, they prayed at the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul, visited the tombs of Popes Francis, Benedict XV, and John Paul II, and were received in audience by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
The visit was further enriched by highly fruitful engagements with the dicasteries of the Holy See, yielding valuable insights and concrete direction for pastoral growth, while strengthening the Church’s contribution to peace, justice, and the common good in Nigeria. Above all, it was a time of profound prayer for the Church and the nation, entrusting Nigeria to God’s grace for healing, unity, and hope.
With hearts full of gratitude, we give thanks to Almighty God for this grace-filled pilgrimage. Profound appreciation goes to the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for his love for Nigeria, for the warm welcome, and for his gifts to us. We are deeply appreciative of the Dicastery for Evangelisation for its coordination and guidance; the Opera della Chiesa Congregation for its generous logistical support and the organisation of the spiritual recollection; the Nigerian Embassy to the Holy See for transport assistance, warm reception, and hospitality; and the Nigerian Chaplaincy in Rome, in collaboration with Nigerian priests, consecrated persons, and seminarians, for their fraternal hospitality.
We also acknowledge with sincere gratitude the SMA Fathers, the OLA Sisters, Cardinal Francis Arinze, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, and the Acton Institute for their generous hosting of the bishops at various meals; the staff of Domus Sanctae Marthae for their warm and gracious hospitality; all the dicasteries of the Holy See for their openness and fruitful engagement; the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria for its administrative and logistical support; and the Nigerian faithful, including our social media followers, whose prayers and encouragement sustained the bishops throughout this sacred journey.
May the fruits of this Ad Limina Visit continue to strengthen the Church in Nigeria and advance the cause of peace, justice, and the common good in our nation.
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