After greeting us one by one, Pope Francis addressed the whole group of pilgrims with these words, “I wish I could give you something, maybe a cup of coffee?” We laughed knowing that was not going to happen. We had waited for over an hour to see him as he finished meeting with several Russian Orthodox bishops and dignitaries. After asking for prayers and giving us his apostolic blessing, we were ushered out of the room of the Apostolic Palace leaving our bishops behind to meet with him. One of four Dominican Sisters who had joined us gave the Pope an unexpected enormous hug as we left. Despite the protesting of the usher, the other three sisters followed her example.
Every bishop in the world has a periodic meeting with the Pope called Ad Limina Apostolorum. The origin of the name of this obligatory visit comes from the fact that the bishops visit the thresholds of the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul (to the thresholds of the apostles). In preparation for the visit every bishop submits a detailed report on the state of his diocese that describes the reality lived by Catholics in that region of the world. The Ad Limina not only entails a formal meeting with the Holy Father, but also comprises moments of prayer at the major basilicas of Rome, including Saint Peter and Saint Paul Outside the Walls where Saints Peter and Paul are buried, as well as meetings at the various congregations and dicasteries of the Vatican.
The bishops of the United States have traveled to Rome by region since last November for their Ad Limina visits. The Diocese of Savannah belongs to Region XIV of the United States Bishop’s Conference which includes the states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Both Bishop Hartmayer and Bishop Boland had the opportunity to address various issues and ask questions at the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the Congregation for Divine Worship, the Vatican’s Department of State, and other departments of the Church.
The highlight of the week for every bishop was the two hour meeting with Pope Francis. They described a very fraternal encounter. One bishop noted that during their time together he almost forgot he was speaking with the Holy Father. “It was like speaking to your dad, or just a brother priest.” Everyone felt comfortable, and knowing there were two hours allotted for the meeting, they were able to speak calmly and openly about whatever they wished. The conversation was cordial and substantial.
When I approached the Pope, I said to him in Spanish, “thank you for your example and for your words.” He looked into my eyes, handed me a rosary, and responded with his familiar request, “pray for me.” As we listened to him speak for just a brief moment, I recalled how that morning we had celebrated Mass at the tomb of Saint Peter, and now we stood in the presence of his successor. It highlighted that the Church Jesus founded is alive, and that the successor of Peter exists to confirm that two millennia-old link between Jesus and His people. Pope Francis, as the previous successors of Peter have throughout the centuries, continues to strengthen us in the faith.
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