Religious leaders and diplomats gathered in Bahrain for a state-backed interfaith vigil, as the Kingdom positioned itself as a voice for coexistence amid regional tensions.
The “Vigil for the Nation,” held April 8 under the patronage of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, gathered more than 1,300 participants at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, according to the Vatican’s Fides News Agency.
“Different traditions, different faiths, different cultures, all come together as one to pray for Peace in this wonderful country that offers us the opportunity to express our faith,” said Bishop Aldo Berardi, apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia, at the opening of the vigil.
The gathering came as regional actors signal cautious steps toward de-escalation, including a recent ceasefire that Berardi described as a “significant and hopeful step towards peace.”
The program opened with an invocation to the Holy Spirit and included readings, psalms, and prayers in English and Arabic, reflecting the diversity of the congregation.
Among those present were Social Development Minister Ossama Al Alawi and several ambassadors, including Italy’s Andrea Catalano, the United States’ Stephanie Hallett, Japan’s Asako Okai, and Pakistan’s Saqib Rauf, alongside members of the Shura Council and the Chamber of Representatives.
In a statement sent to Fides, the Italian Embassy in Bahrain described the vigil as “a moment of collective reflection and hope for de-escalation and, ultimately, for lasting peace for all the peoples of the region.”
Ambassador Catalano also expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s efforts to promote dialogue among cultures and religions and reaffirmed Italy’s support for peacebuilding and cooperation with the Kingdom.
Ahead of the event, Father Francis P. Joseph, parish priest of the Sacred Heart Church in Manama, called on the faithful to take part.
“A Christian’s most powerful weapon is prayer. When we unite and invoke God for peace, our prayers rise above the clouds and reach heaven. This is the moment to show our love and solidarity with Bahrain and our beloved King, as he believes our prayers are powerful,” he said.
The vigil drew religious and state leaders in a shared call for peace, as participants underscored the role of interfaith dialogue in easing tensions and promoting coexistence in the region.
