Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has urged Latin rite Bishops serving Arab regions to remain close to people affected by conflict, migration and social tensions, calling on the Church to respond with service, solidarity and hope.
The Pope made the appeal on Thursday during a meeting in Rome with members of the Conference of Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions, known as CELRA, who are holding their annual meeting.
Pope Leo recognised the difficult conditions faced by local Churches across the region, where political, social and religious tensions continue to affect communities.
He also recalled the witness of priests, religious men and women, and lay people who have died for their faith in Iraq, Syria and other conflict affected areas.
The Pope said Bishops and other Church leaders must remain close to their people and share their suffering through listening and consolation. He highlighted the difficulties faced by families forced to leave their homes and communities weakened by migration.
Even where Catholics are a minority, Pope Leo said the Church can bear witness through its faithfulness to the Gospel. He encouraged Christian communities in divided societies to show that people can live, serve and hope together.
The Church's work in parishes, schools and hospitals was also highlighted as an important way of putting the Gospel into practice. Through these services, communities can listen to people, welcome them and support those in need, particularly through the work of religious congregations.
Pope Leo also reminded the Bishops that emergency situations should not cause the Church to lose sight of its central mission. He pointed to the proclamation of the Gospel, prayer, the Sacraments and Christian formation as essential parts of that mission.
Families and young people, he said, deserve particular attention as they face uncertainty and difficult circumstances. He stressed the role of families in passing on the faith and the importance of community support, listening and catechesis for young people.
The Pope also called for greater care for migrants living far from their families, especially in the Gulf countries, where large numbers of migrants are present.
He urged Christian communities to ensure that migrants are not treated as strangers and called on the Church to defend the dignity of every person. He said recognising migrants as brothers and sisters can make charity a witness to the Gospel and promote fraternity.
Pope Leo further encouraged the Bishops to strengthen communion among Churches of different rites. He described the variety of Christian traditions as a treasure that should be preserved while remaining united.
He also called for sincere dialogue with other Christian communities and with Muslim communities. According to the Pope, dialogue does not require Christians to abandon their identity but encourages them to live their faith openly while remaining willing to meet others.
In communities affected by war and mistrust, he said gestures of respect, cooperation and esteem can help create a path towards reconciliation and peace.
At the end of his address, Pope Leo encouraged the Latin Bishops of the Arab regions to keep Christ and His Word at the centre of their ministry through prayer and the Sacraments.
He urged them not to place success or recognition above faithfulness, but to remain voices for truth, justice and peace, while being people of prayer, pastors close to their communities, agents of reconciliation and witnesses of mercy.