This month, Catholic bishops from Pakistan visited the Vatican for their special Ad Limina visit. The group included three archbishops, four bishops, and a cardinal. 

During the visit, the bishops went to different Vatican departments to submit their reports and meet with Pope Leo XIV. 

Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, discussed the challenges that Christians face in Pakistan. He highlighted the misuse of blasphemy laws, systematic discrimination, and the rising number of forced conversions and marriages that target young Christian girls. 

Despite these problems, Bishop Shukardin said the church remains strong. 

“Our people are illiterate,” he said, “but they are strong in faith.” 

Bishop Shukardin also strongly emphasized that Christians in Pakistan are not receiving equal rights. He explained that because they are a religious minority, many Christians face constant social and systemic discrimination in their daily lives. By bringing these injustices to light, he said, he believes Pakistani Christians will one day achieve full equality and the fundamental human rights they deserve. 

As a symbol of solidarity and communion, the bishops presented Pope Leo with a hand-woven Pakistani carpet. Alongside this gesture, they extended a formal invitation to the Holy Father to visit Pakistan. While the Vatican has not released an official travel announcement, Pope Leo warmly expressed his profound openness and deep interest in the request, assuring the delegation of his desire to visit the South Asian nation in the future.  

To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email [email protected]. To support ICC’s work around the world, please give to our Where Most Needed Fund.