Pope Francis - Visibly Better - Meets Bishops of Mozambique and Listens to the Challenges of the Church in the Country

 Pope Francis, who cancelled his appointments on September 23rd, seemed visibly better as he met with the bishops of Mozambique, on September 24th, and listened to the challenges of the Church in the African country. The Catholic Bishops of Mozambique were on their Ad Limina Visit to the Vatican.

The Mozambican episcopate has been in Rome since September 23 for the traditional “Ad Limina Apostolorum” visit to the Vatican, which will last until September 27. This visit, which has been taking place for nine years, is an ancient practice of the Catholic Church and involves diocesan bishops from all over the world, allowing them to strengthen the bonds of communion with the Pope and the Apostolic See.

Pope Francis, smiling and welcoming received each of the bishops of Mozambique at 9:00 in the library of the Apostolic Palace. There were no speeches, but he asked that each bishops speak freely.
The expression “Ad Limina Apostolorum”, which in Latin means “to the threshold of the Apostles”, refers to the bishops’ pilgrimage to the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul, founders of the Church in Rome. In addition to the spiritual dimension of the visit, the bishops of Mozambique also have the responsibility of presenting detailed reports on the state of their dioceses and the work carried out in the country. The documents cover not only parishes, but also the role of the Church in areas such as education, health and social services.

The meetings with Pope Francis and the various Dicasteries of the Holy See are an opportunity for the bishops to discuss the challenges and successes of the Church in Mozambique, addressing pastoral, social and development issues. During this visit, the Mozambican bishops are also expected to provide an overview of the difficulties faced by the Church in the context of armed conflict and social challenges, especially in the regions affected by violence in Cabo Delgado.

The last Ad Limina visit of the bishops of Mozambique to the Vatican took place in 2015. Since then, much has changed in the country and in the Church, and this visit is seen as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and to strengthen the role of the Catholic Church in Mozambican society.

Sources Vatican News and FB post below: