Amid the growing military tension between Iran, the United States, and Israel, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, has addressed an urgent message to the Catholics of the region, exhorting them to remain calm and to intensify prayer for peace.
According to EWTN, the appeal comes after the rapid escalation of the conflict that began on February 28, when Israeli and US attacks on targets in Iran were followed by Iranian retaliations with missiles and drones aimed at Israel and various positions linked to US forces in Gulf countries.
“Remain calm and serene”
In his message, disseminated by the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia—which includes the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen—Bishop Martinelli asked the faithful to “remain calm and serene” and to carefully follow the instructions of civil authorities.
The prelate emphasized the importance of acting prudently in the face of the uncertainty generated by the regional situation and encouraged avoiding hasty reactions, in a context of growing social anxiety.
Call to prayer for peace
Beyond practical measures, the bishop centered his exhortation on the spiritual dimension of the crisis. He invited Catholics to remain “united in prayer for peace” and proposed the daily recitation of the rosary with that intention. Likewise, he asked that in all Masses celebrated in the vicariate, specific petitions for peace and reconciliation be included.
The message is addressed to a large and diverse community. According to vicariate data, more than 1.1 million Catholics—mostly expatriate workers—live in the territories under its jurisdiction and are closely following the development of events.