The Catholic Bishops of Pakistan gathered in Rome, Vatican City, for a high-powered Ad Limina Apostolorum visit during which they presented to Pope Leo XIV the concerning issues of blasphemy laws and forced conversions in their country.
Defend persecuted religious minorities during the spiritual and diplomatic mission, the Catholic hierarchy of Pakistan shared with the Vicar of Christ, pressing challenges like discrimination, blasphemy accusations, and forced conversions facing the Catholic community in their country.
High points of the meeting were a private audience with Pope Leo and a visit to top Vatican dicasteries in the Vatican, where they presented reports on the severe discrimination, false blasphemy accusations, and systemic forced conversions adversely affecting their individual dioceses.
During the 11-16 May 2026, visit, the prelates, led by Bishop Samson Shukardin, President of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, celebrated Holy Mass at the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran.
The Catholic Bishops of Pakistan with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
Bishop Shukardin, who disclosed that the visit is “spiritually encouraging,” emphasised that “the Vatican officials responded positively to their reports.”
The President of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference stated that although “local Catholics remain deeply rooted in their faith, many of them continue to struggle with poverty and a lack of educational opportunities.”
He cited challenges religious minorities face, such as severe hardships like persecution for their public witness. but expressed optimism that, despite these problems, the Church’s mission still thrives.
He underscored the resilience of the Catholic community, stressing that it “continues to strive for equal rights and wider social acceptance.”
Editor’s Note: All photos are courtesy of CNW Jesus Caritas.
