Manama: Church activities across Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar have been suspended after explosions were reported in parts of the Gulf amid rising regional tensions.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia announced the suspension as uncertainty spread across the region following reports of attacks linked to the widening conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States.
Bishop Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, called on the faithful to remain calm and unite in prayer for peace. He said priests of the vicariate would gather to celebrate Mass for peace in the evening, noting that the situation remains unclear.
Reports indicate that explosions were recorded in Bahrain, where the headquarters of the United States Naval Forces Central Command and the US Fifth Fleet are based. Local media also reported that ballistic missiles targeted a US military base in Kuwait after joint military strikes against Iran earlier in the day.
Apparent attacks were also reported in Dubai and Doha, cities that host US military facilities or are allied with Washington.
The developments followed joint strikes by the United States and Israel across Iran. Israel claimed several senior figures of the Iranian regime were killed. Iranian state media reported that at least 53 people died after a girls school in the southern city of Minab was hit.
In a letter to the faithful, Bishop Berardi urged communities to remain calm, follow the instructions of civil authorities and take necessary safety precautions at home, workplaces and parishes.
He also instructed parish priests to make prudent decisions to ensure safety and to give special attention to the elderly, the sick and the most vulnerable. Any changes to parish activities, he said, would be communicated through official channels.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The bishop concluded by entrusting the region to prayer and asking the international community to join in seeking peace during this time of uncertainty.