From March 20 to 23, 2025, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, embarked on an official visit to Bahrain. This visit aimed to strengthen the Christian presence in the region and reinforce the values of interfaith dialogue in a country that has long been a model for religious coexistence.
Warm Reception
Upon his arrival at Bahrain International Airport, Cardinal Pizzaballa was greeted by His Excellency Bishop Aldo Beradi, O.SS.T., the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, Fr. Sliman Hifawi, a priest of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem serving in Bahrain, along with a delegation of local priests and representatives from the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence. The warm welcome reflected Bahrain's spirit of religious harmony.
The procession then moved to the Sacred Heart Church in Manama, one of the oldest and most important Catholic churches in the region. Cardinal Pizzaballa was warmly welcomed by clergy and the faithful, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to supporting the Catholic community in Bahrain. He also visited the museum dedicated to Pope Francis' apostolic visit to Bahrain in 2022, located within the church grounds.
Mass at Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral
On the second day of his visit, Cardinal Pizzaballa presided over a solemn Mass at the Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral, the largest Catholic church in the Arabian Peninsula. The Mass was attended by Bishop Aldo Berardi, a large group of priests and religious, as well as many faithful from various languages, cultures, and nationalities, reflecting the rich diversity of Bahrain’s Catholic community. The cathedral, designed by artist Kiko Argüello, serves as the headquarters of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia and was inaugurated on December 9, 2021, by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain.
In his homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the importance of faith, unity, and perseverance in Christian life, especially in the Middle East amidst the current challenges. He also praised the beauty of the diversity within the Church in Bahrain, highlighting how the varied cultural backgrounds of the faithful enrich the Church, creating a vibrant community united in their faith in Christ.
Promoting Cultural Understanding and Interfaith Dialogue
Cardinal Pizzaballa also visited the Bahrain National Museum, where he learned about the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and its history spanning over 6,000 years. During the tour, he explored exhibits showcasing Bahrain’s role as a center of civilization, trade, and culture through the ages. He expressed his admiration for Bahrain’s ability to preserve its rich heritage while embracing modernity, creating an inclusive environment where different cultures and religions coexist peacefully.
Historic Interfaith Dialogue Meeting
On the final day of his visit, Cardinal Pizzaballa celebrated Mass at the Sacred Heart Church in Manama, joined by Bishop Aldo Berardi, priests, and the faithful. In his homily, he encouraged the faithful to continue fostering the spirit of communion, reminding them that the Church’s mission is to be a sign of peace, dialogue, and love in the world.
Bahrain has long been recognized as a regional leader in promoting religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue. The Kingdom is home to the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, a prominent institution dedicated to fostering dialogue among different faiths. During his visit, Cardinal Pizzaballa engaged in discussions with representatives from the Center, praising its efforts in promoting mutual respect and understanding. He noted that Bahrain’s commitment to religious freedom sets a remarkable example for the wider world, proving that peaceful coexistence is not only possible but also essential for global harmony.
His discussions also touched on pressing global issues, including the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Cardinal expressed deep concern for those affected by conflict worldwide, stressing the need to strengthen dialogue as a means to achieve lasting peace and stability.
A Message of Hope and Faith for Gulf Christians
During his visit, Cardinal Pizzaballa witnessed the deep faith and cultural diversity of Bahrain’s Catholic community. He reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to supporting the faithful and strengthening spiritual ties between the Church of the Holy Land and the Church in the Arabian Peninsula. As his visit concluded, his message remained focused on the importance of shared cultural understanding in building bridges of dialogue between religions and communities.
