ABU DHABI – As the Middle East teeters on the brink of a wider regional conflict following a series of retaliatory strikes between Iran, Israel, and the United States, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., has issued a poignant pastoral appeal to the Catholic faithful in the Gulf. The Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia has called for “calm and serenity,” urging the more than one million Catholics under his care to turn to the spiritual weapon of the Holy Rosary as missiles and drones light up the night sky. This moment of crisis, occurring during the penitential season of Lent and the holy month of Ramadan, marks a significant test for the Church’s mission of peace in the region.
A Region Under Fire: The Spillover of Conflict
The current escalation began on February 28, 2026, when Israel launched what it described as a “pre-emptive” strike on targets within Iran, supported by U.S. actions under the Pentagon’s “OPERATION EPIC FURY”. These strikes reportedly targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and military infrastructure, leading to a massive retaliatory response from Tehran. Preliminary figures indicate over 200 dead in Iran, at least nine in Israel, and three U.S. soldiers killed in the initial exchanges.
Iran’s retaliation was swift and widespread, with ballistic missile and drone barrages aimed at multiple countries hosting U.S. forces, including Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Jordan. In the UAE, loud booms were heard in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with reports of a strike in a heavily populated civilian hotel district, causing shock and confusion among residents. In Bahrain, a service center linked to the U.S. Fifth Fleet was targeted, while in Kuwait, a drone strike at the international airport caused minor injuries and damage to a passenger terminal.
A Pastoral Response: “Remain Calm and Serene”
In the face of rising regional anxiety, Bishop Martinelli’s message to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia—which serves Catholic communities in the UAE, Oman, and Yemen—emphasized the need for spiritual steadfastness. He urged the faithful to “carefully follow” the instructions of civil authorities while remaining “united in prayer for peace”. The Bishop specifically invited Catholics to pray the Rosary daily for peace and reconciliation, a request that has been integrated into Masses across the vicariate.
The Catholic population in the Gulf, totaling over 1.1 million, is primarily composed of expatriate workers from countries like India, the Philippines, and Lebanon. For these communities, the Church has long been a spiritual refuge, a role recently highlighted by the elevation of “Our Lady of Arabia” in Kuwait to a minor basilica in early 2026. Bishop Martinelli’s call serves as a vital source of comfort and direction for a community watching the developments with heightened concern.
| Country | Reported Incidents (Feb 28, 2026) |
| United Arab Emirates | Loud booms in Abu Dhabi/Dubai; strike in hotel district. |
| Kuwait | Drone strike at Kuwait International Airport; minor injuries. |
| Bahrain | Attack near U.S. Fifth Fleet service center. |
| Saudi Arabia | Projectiles intercepted over Riyadh and Eastern Province. |
| Jordan / Qatar | Incoming projectiles intercepted. |
A Spiritual Resolution: Seeking Peace in the Heart of Christ
As we reflect on the Church’s commitment to peace and the spiritual resilience of the faithful in the Gulf, let us be moved to seek our own spiritual conversion during this Lenten season. Let us turn to the Sacrament of Confession, bringing our own failings and the collective sins of the world before the mercy of God, seeking the grace to be instruments of peace in our own communities. Let us spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, placing the suffering of all victims of war and violence before the Real Presence of Christ, who is the Prince of Peace.
The Holy Rosary is a powerful prayer for peace and protection; let us pray it daily, as Bishop Martinelli has urged, asking the Blessed Mother to intercede for an end to the conflict and for the safety of all people in the Middle East. Through active participation in the Holy Mass and the devout reception of the Eucharist, we are strengthened to be a community of hope and reconciliation. Finally, let us immerse ourselves in Sacred Scripture, finding in the Word of God the true foundation for justice and the promise of a peace that the world cannot give.
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