Ad Limina Visit of the Episcopal Conference of Pakistan

On Monday, 11 May 2026, a meeting was held at the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments with the Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Pakistan on the occasion of their ad limina Apostolorum visit.

During the meeting, discussion focused on the process of liturgical renewal undertaken by the Church in Pakistan since 2020, with particular attention given to the liturgical formation of the faithful and of the various ministries within ecclesial communities: readers, acolytes, ministers of Holy Communion, ushers, choir members, and other pastoral workers.

Considerable attention was devoted to the translation of liturgical books, especially sacramental formulas, whose approval pertains to the Holy Father. The importance of ensuring fidelity to the liturgical texts of the Latin Church was emphasized, while at the same time fostering appropriate theological reflection on possible liturgical adaptations.

The discussion also addressed the celebration of the liturgy within tribal communities, highlighting the importance of having a stable place of worship, which in several areas still remains difficult to establish. Particular attention was given to sacred music as a privileged means of liturgical inculturation. In this context, the richness of local musical traditions was acknowledged and encouraged to be integrated harmoniously into the celebration, while respecting the proper nature of the Roman liturgy.

Finally, the dialogue underscored the importance of gradualness in the processes of inculturation, both with regard to liturgical translations and possible adaptations, so that every development may mature in communion with the universal Church and foster an ever fuller and more conscious participation of the faithful in the sacred mysteries.