Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has sent a message of support to Catholics in the Arabian Peninsula as tensions rise across the Gulf region, encouraging them to remain grounded in faith and hope.
The letter, dated March 6 and addressed to Bishop Paolo Martinelli, comes amid the severe instability affecting local communities. Writing in his role as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, the Filipino cardinal expressed “deep participation and great concern” over the unfolding situation.
In 2011, the Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia was divided into two: the Vicariates of Northern Arabia (Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, with residence of the Bishop in Awali, Bahrain) and Southern Arabia (United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen with the residence of the Bishop in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates).
In the Middle East-North Africa region, Christians reportedly make up only 3% of the population. Many of the Christians in the Gulf region are migrant workers.
Cardinal Tagle asked that his closeness be shared with “every priest, every religious, and all the faithful” of the vicariate, acknowledging the strain of living and witnessing to the Gospel in uncertain conditions. “The faith of your community shines as a living lamp,” he wrote, pointing to the sustaining power of belief in times of crisis.
A trial and a testimony
The cardinal highlighted the challenges faced by those whose lives are disrupted by fear, insecurity, and the practical consequences of conflict. He also noted the strain on communities forced to adopt precautionary measures, while affirming that “fraternal communion in Christ remains … nourishment and consolation for the People of God.”
The message frames the current moment as both a trial and a testimony. Christians in the region, he suggested, offer a quiet, visible witness through perseverance. He encouraged the faithful to draw strength from their belief that “the Lord does not abandon His people,” even in what he described as the darkest moments.
The cardinal also placed the situation within a broader spiritual horizon, invoking the intercession of Francis of Assisi during his jubilee year, and entrusting prayers for peace to the Virgin Mary under the title Queen of Peace. His appeal included a call for an end to violence and for the restoration of stability before the crisis deepens further.
The message referenced recent warnings by Pope Leo XIV about the perils of escalation, underscoring concern within the Vatican over the humanitarian and spiritual impact of the conflict.
Cardinal Tagle concluded by renewing his solidarity and assuring continued prayer for the Church in Arabia, emphasizing unity across distances at a time of heightened uncertainty.
