Laudato Voices |The Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) – “Ad Limina Apostolorum” visit to Rome, Sunday 15 March – Saturday 21 March 2026
On 15 March, the Catholic bishops of Uganda arrived in Rome and were received at Santa Marta, the former residence of Pope Francis. During their visit, they celebrated Masses in major basilicas with seminarians, clergy, and members of the Ugandan community. Their schedule followed the tradition of the Visita ad Limina Apostolorum, held every five years, and included prayer, pilgrimage, and institutional meetings. Early in their stay, the bishops celebrated Mass at the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the Pope’s cathedral church, as a sign of unity with the universal Church.
17 March 2026 – Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
On 17 March, the opening Mass was held at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran.
During the first Mass at St. John Lateran, a choir of Ugandan seminarians from the Collegio Urbano contributed to a vibrant and prayerful atmosphere. This celebration, part of the Ad Limina Apostolorum Visit, demonstrated unity with the Universal Church and the Pope, reaffirming the bishops’ communion with the See of Peter.
Throughout the visit, which typically occurs every five years, the bishops met with the Holy Father and officials of the Holy See. They presented reports on the pastoral life and mission of their dioceses, continuing a longstanding practice to strengthen ecclesial unity and shared responsibility. A highlight was the audience with Pope Leo XIV, marking a significant moment of communion with the Holy See.
18 March 2026 – Basilica di San Paolo
On 18 March, the Eucharistic celebration took place at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, with liturgical music provided by a Ugandan choir from the Consolata Missionaries.
19 March 2026 – Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
On 19 March, thefeast of St. Joseph UEC celebrated Mass at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The UEC A ROMA Choir, led the liturgical music. They later proceded with other program with the different eccessial institutes with in the vatican. This visit is important because it is customary that during these periodic encounters, the bishops will met with the Pope and report on the pastoral life of their dioceses and strengthen ties with the successor of Peter and the Roman Curia.
20 March 2026 – The Bishop had audience with the Pope and thanked him for welcoming them well to the vatican
21 March 2026 – Comboni Missionaries
The Ugandan delegation represents a vibrant local Church. The Conference brings together bishops from four archdioceses and 19 dioceses, with 2,379 bishops and priests serving more than 21 million Catholics, about 45% of Uganda’s population. The Church operates approximately 800 parishes, nearly 3,400 schools, and 264 hospitals nationwide, highlighting its strong pastoral and social presence. (UEC – 2026)
On 21 March, the bishops concluded their visit by celebrating Mass with the Ugandan faithful living in Rome at the Comboni House. This final event strengthened their connection with the diaspora community. Where matters including our connection to the legacy of Uganda, matters, and care for Creation were reflected upon.
Ad Limina visit speech from Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa – Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference Uganda’s Catholic Church has a long-standing relationship with the papacy, having hosted Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Francis. Overall, the visit reflects a longstanding ecclesial tradition that reinforced unity, shared responsibility, and the global mission of the Catholic Church. We pleage to contiue working with different dioceses in Uganda Uniting people for climate action and working to build peace in communities and institutions through our work of integral ecology.
