Australian Catholic bishops meet in Rome
18 June 2019
Almost 40 bishops are in Rome for a retreat and an Ad Limina Apostolorum visit, translation, a visit "to the Threshold of the Apostles".
These visits are typically held every five years. Active Australian bishops meet and pray with Pope Francis, celebrate mass at the four papal basilicas, including those dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul, and have discussions with officials from various agencies of the Holy See. The papal basilicas are St Peter's, St John in Lateran, St Mary Major, and St Paul Outside the Walls.
Due to delays in the rotation of these visits for various events, this will be the first Australian visit whilst Pope Francis has been the Pope. The last Australian visit was in 2011 with Pope Benedict.
For many of the bishops, this will be their first meeting with Pope Francis and, for quite a few, their first Ad Limina Apostolorum visit. It's an important opportunity to reflect on the apostolic witness of St Peter and St Paul, and to have discussions with Pope Francis, Peter’s successor.
Pope Francis spends time with the group answering questions and offering advice when asked. The Vatican releases only photographs and a list of bishops present.
Among the topics to be discussed will be the ongoing response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, preparations for the Plenary Council, and the changing profile of the Church in Australian society and what that means in areas like health care, education and social welfare.
The visit is a time to celebrate communion with Pope Francis despite the separation of distance. It is also a time to learn from those who serve within the Holy See and for them to learn from the visitors.
The initial period of the visit is a retreat for the Australian bishops prior to the Ad Limina Apostolorum activities. The retreat is in Ariccia in the Alban Hills of Rome's southeastern suburbs at the Casa Divin Maestro retreat and conference centre operated by the Pauline Fathers.
The Ad Limina Apostolorum visit itself is over the period 23-29 June 2019. Monday, 24 June the group meet with Pope Francis.
Friday, 28 June includes a farewell reception for the Australians at the Australian Embassy hosted by Melissa Hitchman, the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See.
Fr David Ranson, the Diocesan Administrator for Broken Bay, is attending on behalf of Broken Bay.
Background information on the Ad Limina Apostolorum
The link below is a TV report on the meeting with Pope Francis by Rome Reports, an independent TV news agency based in Rome covering the Pope and the Vatican.
Brief video introduction to the Australians meeting with Pope Francis
Some of the Australian bishops at work in Ariccia
Sunday, 23 June mass at the Chapel of St Peter Chanel at Domus Australia in Rome; the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Melissa Hitchman, was also in attendance
Monday, 24 June, The Australians meet with Pope Francis
An Akubra hat is presented to Pope Francis