Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman urges churches to stay open for spiritual support as regional attacks escalate, reaffirming the kingdom’s tolerance.
Newsroom (09/03/2026 Gaudium Press )As explosions shook Bahrain overnight and warning sirens echoed across the Gulf, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa made a powerful appeal for unity and faith. In an extraordinary gesture of solidarity, he urged that churches remain open to provide “spiritual support to the faithful” during this period of instability.
Bishop Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, described a tense night across the nation. “Last night there were several explosions and injuries have been reported. This morning, warning sirens are sounding and loud detonations can be heard,” he told Fides, illustrating the immediate threat facing the region following the attack on an oil plant in the village of Maameer. The Bahraini Ministry of the Interior has since called on residents to stay calm, seek safety, and avoid obstructing main roads to facilitate emergency response efforts.
Regional Turmoil and Renewed Attacks
Tensions across the Gulf have been rising sharply following the appointment of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. In parallel, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense has confirmed new bomb and drone attacks on its territory, marking the tenth day of open hostilities between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Neighboring states, including Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, have been targeted in similar offensives, deepening fears of regional escalation.
Crown Prince Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Faith
Amid this volatile backdrop, HRH Prince Salman visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia (OLA) in Awali on Sunday, March 8. There, he met Bishop Aldo Berardi and Christian leaders to assess their community’s safety and ensure their spiritual and physical well-being. The meeting underscored Bahrain’s long-standing commitment to peaceful coexistence and respect for religious diversity.
Upon entering the cathedral, the Crown Prince was warmly received by Bishop Berardi. He conveyed greetings from His Majesty the King and reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to maintain Bahrain as “a home of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for all religions and beliefs.” During discussions, he specifically asked about the Catholic community’s needs and inquired about plans for Easter celebrations—an act viewed as both pastoral and deeply symbolic by those present.
“The Crown Prince has asked to leave churches open for the spiritual support of the faithful and has inquired about the date of Easter,” Bishop Berardi noted, highlighting the prince’s personal concern for the welfare of Christians in the Kingdom.
A Commonwealth of Faith and Safety
Crown Prince Salman emphasized that the safety of all citizens and residents remains the government’s highest priority. He reiterated his administration’s readiness to offer protection and assistance amid ongoing threats. Meanwhile, Christian leaders at the meeting expressed profound gratitude for Bahrain’s unwavering defense of freedom of worship and interfaith respect under the leadership of His Majesty.
They praised the Kingdom’s success in fostering an environment where all people—Muslim, Christian, and others—can practice their faith freely and securely, even in times of turmoil. The gathering was also attended by senior ministers, including Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, symbolizing national unity at the highest levels.
In a region strained by conflict, Bahrain’s message was clear: faith must not close its doors. By keeping churches open, the Crown Prince offered both comfort and a call to courage—reminding the faithful that even amid detonation and fear, the spirit of coexistence can stand as steadfast as stone.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Fides News
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