Manama: In a significant gesture reinforcing Bahrain’s commitment to religious coexistence, His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa welcomed Bishop Aldo Berardi, the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, for a cordial meeting at the historic Riffa Palace on Wednesday.

During their conversation, the Crown Prince emphasized Bahrain’s enduring dedication to fostering tolerance and peace—a mission deeply embedded in the kingdom’s longstanding tradition of embracing cultural diversity and respecting all faiths. He underscored these core principles as the foundation upon which Bahrain has built its reputation as a distinctive example of harmony and multicultural coexistence in the region.

Prince Salman expressed appreciation for Bishop Berardi’s ongoing efforts to cultivate compassion and understanding within the community, extending his best wishes for continued success in the bishop’s pastoral mission.

In response, Bishop Berardi lauded Bahrain’s rich cultural mosaic and its heritage of openness, acknowledging how these qualities nurture an environment where diverse communities can live together peacefully. He also conveyed gratitude to the royal family for the opportunity to engage directly with the country’s leadership.

The meeting was attended by senior figures including Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court, alongside other high-ranking officials.

Highlighting Bahrain’s demographic landscape, recent data from 2020 indicates that Christians constitute roughly 12 percent of the population, predominantly composed of expatriates, illustrating the country’s multicultural social fabric.

This high-level dialogue between Bahrain’s leadership and the Apostolic Vicar reinforces the kingdom’s role as a beacon of interfaith dialogue and mutual respect in the Gulf region.