Northern Arabia: Bishop Berardi visits Christian communities

By Roberto Paglialonga

Amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, Bishop Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, has concluded a series of pastoral visits to the parishes of the Vicariate during the first six months of 2026, offering a visible sign of the Church’s closeness to the faithful and encouraging unity, hope and prayer for peace.

Visiting parishes across the Gulf

According to a statement released by the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, Bishop Berardi visited ten parishes and two cathedrals serving Catholic communities in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with the aim of “strengthening communion, supporting the faithful and encouraging the Church’s mission throughout the Gulf region.”

Throughout the visits, particular attention was given to dialogue and the Church’s shared mission, while highlighting the pastoral visit as “a moment of grace” for encounter and renewal.

The Bishop encouraged the faithful to deepen their relationship with Christ through the Eucharist, “to remain steadfast in the faith and to continue living as witnesses to the Gospel within their families, workplaces and communities.”

Listening to the faithful

Much of Bishop Berardi’s time was devoted to listening to the experiences, challenges and hopes of the faithful, while offering pastoral guidance to support the continued spiritual and organisational growth of each parish.

He also encouraged every community to strengthen collaboration, promote missionary discipleship and embrace a spirit of service inspired by the Holy Spirit.

During his visit to the Sacred Heart Church in Bahrain, Bishop Berardi celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation for 155 candidates. He also blessed the shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which houses the statue created for the historic Papal Mass celebrated by Pope Francis during his Apostolic Journey to Bahrain.

Bishop Berardi visits the Sacred Heart Church in Bahrain. (© Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia – AVONA)   (©Apostolic Vicariate Northern Arabia – AVONA.)

The pastoral visit also marked the opening of a special Jubilee Year commemorating the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

On several occasions, Bishop Berardi reminded the faithful that the Church best fulfils her mission when her members are united in faith, hope and charity.

Documentary on Our Lady of Arabia

During one of the visits, the documentary Our Lady of Arabia – A Legacy of Faith was presented. The film recounts the history, spiritual heritage and enduring mission of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi, Kuwait.

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While in Ahmadi, Bishop Berardi and members of the Vicariate delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of the Kuwait Oil Company, highlighting the longstanding relationship between the Church and the company.

Visita pastorale del vescovo Berardi nella basilica di Nostra Signora di Arabia in Kuwait (Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (AVONA))   (Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (AVONA))

Summer camps begin in Southern Arabia

Meanwhile, in the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, which includes Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, parish summer camps have begun despite the challenges of recent months and the regional tensions that have also affected the Gulf.

According to the Vicariate, the initiative is a long-standing tradition that takes on particular significance this year following the difficulties experienced in recent months.

Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, said welcoming hundreds of children is “a tangible sign of a new beginning and of hope, an opportunity to look to the future with confidence and courage.”

Prayer, formation and fellowship

Held in parish centres across the Vicariate, the summer camps involve thousands of children and young people in prayer groups, catechesis, games, educational workshops and moments of fellowship.

Each parish develops its own programme, centred on themes including faith, family, peace, care for creation and following Christ.

According to the Vicariate, the aim is to offer children and young people a path of both human and Christian formation, fostering faith, friendship, a spirit of service and community life, thanks also to the commitment of numerous volunteers.

Children take part in games and fellowship during summer camps in the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia. (© Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia – AVOSA)   (Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia – AVOSA.)

Educating for peace

“Investing in education is one of the most concrete contributions we can make to building lasting peace in hearts and among peoples,” Bishop Martinelli said.

Recalling the words of Pope Leo XIV that “true peace begins in a heart that loves,” he said these initiatives create spaces where young people can grow in faith, friendship, service and hope.