Bishop Aldo Berardi calls Gulf Christians to remain hopeful

Bishop Aldo Berardi, the apostolic vicar of the Northern Arabia vicariate, said that Catholic churches in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia remain open to the faithful and anyone seeking prayer despite the uncertainty caused by the war in Iran. He noted that the conflict has led many Catholics to leave the Gulf after businesses closed and jobs were lost, but urged believers to stay united, keep hope, and continue praying for peace in the Gulf and the Holy Land.

In recent weeks Berardi made pastoral visits to ten parishes and two cathedrals across the vicariate, celebrating Masses, confirming 155 candidates and inaugurating a jubilee year marking the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi. He encouraged the faithful to deepen their relationship with Christ through the Eucharist and to witness the Gospel in their families and workplaces.