Dubai: The Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, has called on Christians to remain strong in faith and witness to love, even in times marked by war, fear and uncertainty.
In his Easter message, the bishop said the Resurrection of Christ is a powerful reminder that evil and death do not have the final word. He stressed that Christ’s victory is not over human enemies, but over evil itself, and that this truth should guide believers in difficult times.
Speaking in the context of ongoing tensions and conflict in the region, Bishop Martinelli acknowledged that many faithful were unable to gather physically for Easter celebrations. Churches in some areas remained closed, and liturgies were moved online due to safety concerns. He expressed hope that communities would soon be able to return to worship together.
He encouraged the faithful to unite their struggles with Christ, offering their present difficulties as a sacrifice for the good of the Church and for peace in the world. He also said that constant prayer is essential, especially in times when violence and fear seem to dominate.
Reflecting on the current situation, the bishop said war only deepens suffering and does not solve problems. He noted that the violence seen today shows how humanity can lose its sense of reason when people turn against one another.
Despite this, he reminded Christians that the message of Easter brings hope. The Resurrection, he said, assures believers that love is stronger than hatred and that life triumphs over death. He urged them to live with this conviction and to see the world through the light of Christ.
Bishop Martinelli also spoke about the fears people face, especially concerns about family, children and the future. He compared these fears to those experienced by the disciples after the death of Jesus, noting that their sorrow was transformed by the reality of the Resurrection.
He concluded by calling on all believers to give witness to love in their daily lives, saying that even when evil seems strong, Christians are called to show that love ultimately conquers all.