ASIA/BAHRAIN - The community of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia welcomed the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem: Spirit of harmony and interreligious collaboration

Manama (Agenzia Fides) – The three-day visit of the Cardinal Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who arrived in Bahrain on Thursday 20 March, ended yesterday, Sunday 23 March. It was a significant moment for the Catholic community of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia who, in the person of Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., accompanied by members of the local clergy, including a delegation of priests and representatives of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, welcomed the arrival of the Patriarch at Manama airport.

The Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia Aldo Berardi highlighted how the presence of the members of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence confirmed the spirit of harmony and interreligious collaboration that Bahrain has been promoting in recent years.

In his homily in the solemn mass celebrated at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, Awali, the Cardinal emphasized on the importance of Co-existence and tolerance, importance of peace, mutual respect, and understanding in today’s increasingly complex world.
The Latin Patriarch prayed for the Christian community in the region and for the ongoing efforts to promote harmony among the different religious communities in the Middle East.

On the very same day, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, was warmly welcomed by the faithful at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manama. Accompanied by Bishop Aldo Berardi, Vicar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, the Cardinal was received with great joy. Again, during the solemn Mass, Cardinal Pizzaballa spoke about the beauty of diversity within the Church of Bahrain. He emphasized how the varied cultural backgrounds of the faithful enrich the Church, creating a vibrant and harmonious community united in faith. His message resonated deeply, highlighting the universal nature of the Catholic Church and its ability to bring people together beyond national and ethnic differences.

During his stay, Cardinal Pizzaballa met with local Christian leaders, celebrated the Eucharist with the faithful, and engaged in meetings on religious coexistence, dialogue, and pastoral care for the region’s Catholic community. His visit reaffirms the commitment of the Church to strengthening the bonds of faith and fraternity in the Arabian Peninsula.

In addition, among the particularly significant events of his stay in Bahrain, mention should be made of Cardinal Pizzaballa's participation, always accompanied by the Apostolic Vicar Berardi, in a conference held at the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, in the presence of the Executive Director, Abdulla Isa AlManai. This important gathering provided an invaluable platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences among religious leaders. It highlighted the importance of dialogue in building bridges of peace and strengthening the bonds of solidarity among communities. Reflecting on his visit, the Cardinal remarked on the importance of cultural understanding in building
bridges between communities. He praised Bahrain’s dedication to preserving its history and promoting dialogue among people of different backgrounds.

This visit – reads the note sent to Fides by the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia – underscored the strong cultural and interfaith ties between Bahrain and the wider global community, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a place of tolerance and historical significance. This visit is part of Cardinal Pizzaballa’s broader mission to engage with Catholic communities across the region, strengthening their faith and fostering a deeper connection with the Church. His presence in Bahrain was a testament to the enduring spiritual vitality of the Catholic community in the Gulf, inspiring a renewed sense of unity and commitment among the faithful.

Bahrain, known for its dedication to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, has welcomed numerous religious leaders in recent years. The reception of Cardinal Pizzaballa further reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding among different religious traditions. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 24/3/2025)

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