Kuwait: In a landmark moment for the Catholic Church in the Arabian Peninsula, the Parish Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi, Kuwait, has officially been elevated to the esteemed status of Minor Basilica the first ever in the region. This significant designation was granted by Pope Leo XIV through a decree issued by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, marking a new chapter in the spiritual history of the Gulf.
The announcement, shared by the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, was received with joy and reverence by the Catholic community across the Gulf. The Vatican decree (Prot. N. 18/25) is a response to a formal request submitted by Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia. His petition highlighted the unique pastoral role and deep spiritual influence of the Ahmadi parish, not only within Kuwait but across the wider region.
“This is not just an honor for a building it is a recognition of a vibrant faith community and their steadfast witness in a land where Christianity exists as a humble yet powerful presence,” Bishop Berardi remarked.
Our Lady of Arabia Church has long stood as a beacon of hope and devotion for the expatriate Catholic population in Kuwait. The elevation to Minor Basilica affirms its centrality in the religious life of thousands of faithful. The meticulous documentation and groundwork for the petition were prepared under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Roswin Redento Agnelo Pires, OFM Cap, along with dedicated members of the Parish Council. Their pastoral commitment played a vital role in fulfilling the Vatican's stringent criteria for basilica status.
The decree acknowledges not only the church’s spiritual and liturgical vibrancy but also its symbolic significance in a region where expressions of Christian faith are practiced under careful religious protocols.
Being named a Minor Basilica links the church directly to the Holy See, granting it unique liturgical privileges. These include the use of papal insignia, such as the crossed keys of St. Peter on its banners and furnishings. The church may also display the ombrellino a red-and-gold canopy traditionally carried to honor the Pope and the tintinnabulum, a ceremonial bell once used to herald his arrival.
These symbols serve as both honorific and spiritual markers, signifying the church’s close bond with the Pope and the See of Rome, and its elevated role in the liturgical life of the region.
This historic declaration comes at a time of growing visibility for the Christian community in the Gulf. It also reflects the Catholic Church’s expanding pastoral mission in territories with diverse religious landscapes.
“This milestone is a testament to the enduring presence of the Church in the Arabian Peninsula, built on the faith of migrants, the dedication of missionaries, and the goodwill of host nations,” said one of the clergy members of the Ahmadi parish.
As the faithful prepare for a formal liturgical celebration to mark the elevation, the church stands as a powerful reminder that even in lands of desert sand, deep roots of faith can flourish and be recognized by the highest spiritual authority of the Church.