As tensions escalate in the Gulf following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks, the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia has called on Catholics in the region to intensify prayers for peace and reconciliation.
Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., appealed to the faithful in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen to pray the Rosary daily for stability in the region. Speaking to Vatican News, he said he has entrusted the Gulf to the intercession of “Our Lady of Arabia,” asking that the region’s patrons, Saints Peter and Paul, protect its people and that “the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi grant us peace.”
According to Vatican News, Bishop Martinelli made the appeal during the celebration of the Eucharist, urging prayers “for the peace and security of all the peoples of this region.”
The renewed call for prayer follows coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets that began Saturday. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks affecting several areas in the Gulf, including reported strikes on airports, ports and civilian structures in cities such as Doha, Manama and Kuwait City.
During the Angelus on March 1, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful worldwide to pray for peace in the Middle East. As reported by Vatican News, the Pope appealed for dialogue and warned against further escalation.
Reflecting on the papal message, Bishop Martinelli told Vatican News that the Pope’s words were “very important” and directly addressed the challenges facing the region. He highlighted the Holy Father’s emphasis on the “good of the people,” describing it as a clear reminder that political decisions must consider the daily realities of ordinary citizens.
The bishop reiterated the Pope’s appeal “to start again with diplomacy and dialogue,” stressing the need to remove obstacles that hinder peace and reconciliation among nations.
He also drew attention to the impact of instability on families across the region. “People every day have to face practical concerns — food, school, work, and organizing family life,” he said, underscoring the importance of safeguarding conditions for a peaceful and just society.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia serves hundreds of thousands of largely expatriate Catholics across the UAE, Oman and Yemen. Churches in the Gulf remain open, though communities are closely monitoring developments.
Bishop Martinelli encouraged Catholics not to feel isolated during the crisis. “We are always together. We pray together. We work together,” he said, urging continued unity in prayer as the region navigates a period of heightened uncertainty.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
