Bahrain to Construct Its First Catholic Cathedral

June 28, 2014|2:04 pm

The Catholic Church in Bahrain, a small island country situated near the western shores of the Persian Gulf, is preparing for the construction of a new cathedral thanks to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who has given land for what will be the largest parish in the Arab peninsula.

The King of Bahrain met with Pope Francis in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace recently, and gave him a 3-foot long model of the cathedral, according to Rome Reports.

The two talked about peace and stability in the Middle East as well as the contribution of Christians in the country, which make up about 10 percent of the population.

Bahrain-based Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, Camillo Ballin, whose vicariate stretches from Kuwait to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, is grateful to the king. "The king has a special appreciation for the Catholic Church. We are the only church of which the king has given land," he told Real Clear Religion.

"On behalf of the migrant workers, the children and families and my fellow religious who today serve in Northern Arabia, I appeal to you to join with us to help build the first Catholic cathedral in Awali, Bahrain in Northern Arabia," Ballin says in a plea posted on the website of the Church in Need.

The cathedral will serve about 2.5 million Catholics in the Northern Arabian Peninsula.

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More than 60 percent of the people in Bahrain are Shia, and over 30 percent are Sunni. There have been tensions between the two Muslim communities. However, Bahrain is known as one of the most tolerant nations towards religious minorities in the region, and where several Christian denominations are officially recognized, including the National Evangelical Church in Bahrain.

The people of Bahrain "are used to other religions," Bishop Ballin added.

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Bahrain to Construct Its First Catholic Cathedral