Rimini: Weapons will never bring lasting solutions to conflicts, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Vicar Apostolic of Southern Arabia, has said, urging people to support dialogue, prayer and peaceful coexistence as war and tension continue to affect the Middle East.
Bishop Martinelli, a Capuchin friar who has served as Vicar Apostolic of Southern Arabia since 2022, spoke about the situation facing Christians in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen. The three countries make up the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, home to more than one million Christians.
Speaking about the impact of the recent war between the United States and Iran, Bishop Martinelli said the past few months had been difficult for Christian communities across the region. Despite the challenges, he said, Catholics had remained faithful to their faith and to the Church.
From the beginning of the attacks, the bishop encouraged Christians to pray together, support people who were struggling and follow the safety instructions issued by local authorities. Churches also increased the number of Masses so that more people could attend while avoiding large gatherings.
He said the response of the Christian community had shown strong faith and solidarity. Some people lost their jobs because of the conflict and wider disruption, making support within the community especially important.
For Christians living in countries where Muslims form the overwhelming majority, Bishop Martinelli said daily life also requires sensitivity and respect. Public proclamation of the Gospel is restricted by local laws, but he said Christians can still share their faith through the way they live and through genuine relationships with others.
He stressed that faith can be expressed through kindness, friendship, dialogue and service. Even where Christians cannot publicly preach the Gospel, their daily lives can provide a witness to Christian values and the joy of faith.
The bishop also reflected on Pope Leo XIV's recent message at the Rimini Meeting in Italy. He said the Pope's emphasis on love for the Church, unity and communion was particularly important for a Christian community made up of people from many cultures, languages and traditions.
In Southern Arabia, Catholics come from different parts of the world and belong to different cultural backgrounds and Christian traditions. Bishop Martinelli said the Pope's call to return to the foundations of Christian communion was therefore especially meaningful.
He said unity is not simply an idea but an essential part of Christian life. In communities where people have different languages and cultural traditions, communion can help Christians remain united in their faith while respecting their differences.
The bishop also welcomed Pope Leo's strong appeal for a disarmed and disarming peace. The Pope has repeatedly warned against the dangers of the arms race and called on people to reject violence in words, minds and nations.
For Bishop Martinelli, that message has particular importance in a region that has experienced repeated conflict and political tension.
He argued that weapons cannot provide a genuine answer to the problems facing countries and communities. Instead, he called for patience, dialogue and a shared commitment to peace.
According to the bishop, dialogue may be difficult and slow, especially when countries have deep disagreements. However, he said patience is necessary because peaceful discussion remains the only realistic path toward coexistence.
His message comes as Christians across the Middle East continue to live alongside the effects of war, economic uncertainty and political tensions. For many communities, the Church has become a place not only for prayer and worship but also for solidarity and practical support.
Bishop Martinelli's appeal reflects the wider message of Pope Leo XIV, who has repeatedly called on world leaders to choose peace over military confrontation.
The bishop said Christians should keep this message close to their hearts and put it into practice every day. For him, peace is not only the responsibility of governments and political leaders. It is also something that communities and individuals can promote through patience, dialogue, mutual respect and care for those who are suffering.
As the Middle East continues to face uncertainty, Bishop Martinelli believes the path toward lasting peace will require courage and perseverance. His central message is simple: conflict may deepen divisions, but only dialogue and a genuine commitment to peace can create the conditions for people and nations to live together.