Ad limina visit of the Bishops of Japan

On Monday, 8 April 2024, this Dicastery received the visit of some representatives of the Bishops' Conference of Japan engaged in the “Visita ad limina apostolorum”.
During the meeting, they were able to speak with those present: Cardinal João Braz DE AVIZ, Prefect of the Dicastery; Sr. Simona Brambilla, MC, Secretary; the Undersecretaries; and the Department heads.

His Excellency Bishop Josep Maria Abella, CMF, Bishop of Fukuoka was the spokesperson for the Conference, presenting the reality of consecrated life in Japan. In spite of challenges due to dwindling numbers, the presence of consecrated men and women continues to enrich the spiritual life of a numerically very small Church: in most dioceses, the presence of Catholics is less than 0.56 % of the population.

What is an ad limina visit?
It is the visit that all Catholic bishops must make to Rome every five years. It includes a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul as an expression of ecclesial communion and a meeting with the Pope as the successor of St Peter. It also includes visits to various Church offices, such as this Dicastery, to present a report on the situation of the Church in the diocese entrusted to each bishop.