Portuguese bishops begin their “ad Limina Apostolorum” visit to the Vatican this Monday, with an audience with Pope Francis due to conclude the program next Friday morning.
The “ad Limina” visit is held every five years – it was supposed to take place in 2020, but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic – and, in addition to meetings between prelates and the various dicasteries of the Holy See, are also held with the Pope.
The Code of Canon Law states that “the diocesan bishop is obliged every five years to submit to the Supreme Pontiff a report on the situation of the diocese entrusted to him.”
In this report, according to the CEP, bishops report on their administration to the Pope and the Holy See.
On Sunday, the president of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP) acknowledged that the bishops will present to the Vatican a “realistic vision” of the reality of the Church, including the crisis caused by sexual abuse.
“We take this seriously because we believe that you cannot play with people’s feelings and pain,” José Ornelas said in a joint interview with Ecclesia and Rádio Renascença.
According to the program published by the CEP, the first meeting will be with the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, whose second assembly will be held in the Vatican in October.
In addition to meetings at various dicasteries, visits to the tombs of the apostles and a meeting with the Pope, a dinner is also planned at the Portuguese Embassy next to the Holy See.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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