1. Christianity arrived in the Arabian Peninsula before Islam, during the first through fifth centuries after the birth of Jesus Christ. Remains of a fifth-century Christian church can be found in Failaka (Kuwait) and other locations across the Peninsula. Islam emerged in the seventh century. Today, the Arabian Peninsula is at the heart of a rapidly growing economy and has become a significant focal point for the Church as well.

The Church in the Arabian Peninsula is primarily a pilgrim and migrant Church. Since the early 1990s, the Catholic Church in the region has expanded rapidly. Expatriates make up almost the entire Catholic community in the Vicariate. Though exact figures are unavailable, it is estimated that there are over 1 million Catholics in Saudi Arabia alone. Kuwait has about 350,000 Catholics, Bahrain around 80,000, and Qatar between 200,000 to 300,000 Catholics. The faithful are predominantly migrant workers from various nations, with the majority coming from the Philippines and India. About eighty percent belong to the Latin Rite, while the remainder belong to the Eastern Rite. It is not an exaggeration to say that Arabia has become a vibrant Christian community, serving as a “bridge” between diverse regions and cultures.

2. The Catholic presence in Arabia, where Islam is the state religion, is characterized by peaceful coexistence. The Catholic community is law-abiding and trusted by local governments, enjoying the freedom to worship within the boundaries of our parish compounds. This is made possible through the committed efforts of our pastors and the support of parish organizations, which include thousands of lay volunteers engaged in catechesis, youth and family ministry, hospital and prison outreach, and social work.

Other problems such as distance from the church, employment and camp rules also make participation for many impossible. It is also forbidden (under threat of punishment) to engage in any public activity or display of religion, including proselytizing (the act of attempting to convert people to Christianity).

3. The Vicariate is a vibrant mix of Rites, nationalities, and cultures, requiring the Church to adapt its pastoral work accordingly. The Rescript ex audientia, approved by Pope John Paul II in 2003 and confirmed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, grants jurisdiction over all the faithful, regardless of Church, rite, or nationality, to the Bishop residing in the Gulf. Under his sole jurisdiction, all priests in the Vicariates serve. The Bishop is obligated to ensure that the faithful of different Rites can practice and observe the norms of their respective Rites to the best of their ability. This Rescript has played a key role in maintaining unity, preventing fragmentation, and providing the best possible pastoral care to all Catholic faithful.

4. Both Vicariates are placed under the protection of Our Lady of Arabia. On January 16, 2011, in Kuwait, Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, declared Our Lady of Arabia as the Patroness of both Vicariates and the entire Arabian Peninsula.

May the Mother of God, Mary Most Holy, the Supreme Witness, intercede to strengthen and invigorate the witness of the Church in Arabia.