Manama – “Last night there were several explosions and injuries have been reported. This morning, warning sirens are sounding and loud detonations can be heard,” the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., told Fides.
The situation is far from peaceful in Bahrain where, following an attack on an oil plant in the village of Maameer, the Ministry of the Interior has urged the population to remain calm, seek safety, and avoid unnecessarily blocking main roads in order to ensure public safety. The same applies to other Gulf countries where Iran’s offensive with bombs and drones against Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates continues.
Following the appointment of the Islamic Republic’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense also reported a new bomb and drone attack on the emirate on the tenth day of the war between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met with Bishop Berardi and Christian religious leaders at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Awali this Sunday, March 8, to ensure the well-being of the Catholic community in Bahrain, reaffirming his commitment to protecting all citizens and residents in light of the current situation in the Kingdom. This is a powerful sign of tolerance and peaceful coexistence between different religions and cultures, as demonstrated throughout its long history.
Upon arrival, HRH the Crown Prince was greeted by Bishop Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia.
During the meeting, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister met several Christian religious leaders and conveyed the greetings of His Majesty, affirming the King’s commitment to cementing Bahrain’s position as a home of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for all religions and beliefs. Salman sought to ascertain the situation of the Catholic community, particularly in light of Iran’s ongoing aggression, in order to guarantee the security of the Kingdom and protect all its citizens and residents.
“The Crown Prince,” the Apostolic Vicar told Fides, “has asked to leave churches open for the spiritual support of the faithful and has inquired about the date of Easter.” Salman also reiterated that the Kingdom’s priority is the safety of its citizens and residents, and underlined its commitment to offering protection and assistance to all. For their part, Christian religious leaders expressed great appreciation for the Kingdom’s continued support, under the leadership of His Majesty, in consolidating the values of coexistence and respect for religious pluralism. They also commended the safe and secure environment provided and protected by the kingdom, which encourages people to practice their faith freely.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, and Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa were also present.
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