Despite recent efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region, security concerns and the fragile geopolitical situation continue to affect the lives of millions of residents and migrant workers in the Gulf, many of whom are Christians.
Amid these challenges, the Catholic Church in the countries of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia continues to accompany the faithful spiritually and pastorally.
Bishop Aldo Berardi, apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia, told ACI MENA, the Arabic language service of EWTN News, that the Church is trying to remain close to its people during these times of fear and uncertainty.
The conflict that erupted in late February brought unexpected challenges to the vicariate and to the faithful living in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain.
"For a community that draws its strength from gathering together for Mass and communal prayer, the suspension of Church activities was a deep wound," he said.
Berardi reflected on the fact that the conflict began during two important seasons of prayer: Lent for Christians and Ramadan for Muslims. He described this timing as a reminder of divine providence.
"It was not only painful, but it also reminded us that fasting and prayer are not merely religious practices; they are acts of solidarity with all who suffer," he said. "They taught us as well that we are not alone in times of hardship."
Even when public gatherings were restricted, churches remained open for private prayer. Later, parish activities and public Masses gradually resumed.
Hearts shaken by war
The apostolic vicar acknowledged the concerns of the faithful throughout the vicariate, which is home to about 2.2 million Catholics, in addition to members of other Christian communities. Most are expatriates and migrant workers from around the world. Each person carries a story of faith, migration, and hope.
"While their families in Lebanon, the Philippines, India, Kenya, and elsewhere closely follow developments and worry about the safety of their loved ones here, every phone call home becomes burdened with anxiety," he said. "Conflict does not only damage infrastructure. The first thing it wounds is the human heart."
As fears spread, many faithful came to the bishop asking whether they would lose their jobs, be evacuated, or still be able to send money home.
"For many of our faithful, the money they earn in the Gulf supports entire families back home," he explained.
The bishop sought to remain close to his people, reassure them, and help ease their fears.
"I never claimed to have all the answers," he said. "But my role as a father is to remind them of a deeper truth: They are not alone. Even far from home and living in uncertainty, God accompanies them, and the Church stands beside them."
From the first days of the crisis, he encouraged the faithful to remain calm, stay united in prayer, and care for one another.
"Fear is not a sin," he added. "It is a natural and necessary human response for survival. Jesus Himself experienced fear in the Garden of Gethsemane. Faith does not eliminate fear; it transforms it, gives it meaning, and enables us to cling to hope, 'a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.'"
"I am truly filled with hope," he said. "Christian hope is more than simple optimism. It is a gift from God that helps us persevere even in difficult times."
Mission and service
At the beginning of this year, the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia began a fruitful spiritual journey. One important moment was the elevation of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Kuwait to the status of a minor basilica.
According to the bishop, this reflected the vitality and continued growth of the Catholic Church in the Gulf.
"Our journey has not stopped," he said. "It has only been temporarily interrupted. As we await a lasting peace, we remain determined to continue with renewed energy, ready to resume pastoral programs, educational initiatives, and community activities."
When people live amid fear, sorrow, and uncertainty, the bishop said, the Church's first responsibility is to accompany them in their suffering.
"At the same time, peace creates the space necessary for service. Stability is not a luxury for the Church; it is an essential condition for mission."
He stressed that peace is necessary for every part of the Church's mission: proclaiming the Gospel, forming believers, serving the poor, and building dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
"Every sincere effort to build lasting peace helps the Church carry out its mission," he said. "It helps create the conditions the Church needs to serve people and grow."
Our Lady of Arabia
Millions of Catholics around the world turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary in times of need. The bishop often reminds the faithful of their patroness, Our Lady of Arabia.
"She is our mother, our protector, and the companion of millions of Catholics living far from their homelands," he said.
"Mary herself experienced life as a refugee. She lived under occupation and remained standing at the foot of the Cross when everything seemed lost. She is not simply a figure from the past but a living presence in the lives of believers. I have no doubt that many of the faithful found strength in her maternal presence during these difficult months."
'A new Pentecost every day'
The bishop said the cultural diversity of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia is both its greatest gift and one of its greatest challenges.
Catholics in the vicariate worship according to a variety of liturgical traditions, including the Latin, Maronite, Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara, and Coptic Catholic rites.
"People of different nationalities, languages, and cultures come together in prayer," he said. "They are united by one baptism, one Eucharist, and one Lord. In our vicariate, we experience a new Pentecost every day."
This unity is also seen in simple daily acts of charity and solidarity: a Filipino family helping an Indian family find housing, an African choir singing alongside a Lebanese choir at the same Mass, or a priest from one Church tradition visiting patients from another.
"This diversity is a living witness that we belong to one Church — holy, catholic, and universal," the bishop said. "It is a witness the world needs to see today more than ever, especially here in the Middle East."
Iran and the United States recently reached a preliminary agreement to extend a ceasefire that was welcomed by Gulf Cooperation Council states earlier this year. Although the situation remains fragile and many challenges continue, the bishop ended with a message of hope.
"We follow these developments closely, not from a political perspective but from a pastoral one," he said. "We remain convinced that every step toward peace is a gift from God, and we receive it with gratitude."
This story was first published by ACI MENA, the Arabic-language service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
