Milan () – One million people live their faith “in private”; a community made up largely of economic migrants who worship “hidden from the eyes of the world” in their homes, in the complexes where they work or in embassies, often keeping their religious affiliation secret. A territory where there are no churches because only Islam is permitted, dependent on the Apostolic Vicariate of the North, where people pray, meet and, when possible, attend services celebrated by chaplains in diplomatic representations. There is little news or reports of the Catholic reality in Saudi Arabia in the international media, often not even in those linked in various ways to the Church of Rome, and yet it is alive and present. And thanks to the Internet and social networks, it has found new ways of feeling part of a community. Rooted in a territory where, although a minority, it is not foreign by history and tradition, it increasingly claims to belong to the universal Church and was recently described as “surprising” by the Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans, Card. Louis Rapahel Sako.
To tell the tale, spoke to a diplomatic figure who knows the kingdom and the Catholic reality well, and who, on condition of anonymity, wanted to share some reflections and changes. Because compared to the past, when calling oneself a Christian meant risking one’s life, today under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) the country is showing positive changes not only at a social level. The hope is that one day we will be able to meet and pray in a church. “Catholics today go to Bahrain or to other areas of the Northern Vicariate [territorio que incluye, además de Arabia Saudí, Kuwait, Baréin y Qatar] “They are not allowed to attend mass,” the source says, and, at least officially, “there is no worship.” However, in practice they can follow catechism, receive the sacraments and participate in religious services, although discreetly. And also for this reason, little news reaches the country.”
Faith and the Internet
The desire is to attend Mass, an open sacramental life, freedom of worship, although today this community has found on the Internet and on social media the way to read news about the Vatican and the activities of Pope Francis. The Internet is also the means to stay connected with the communities from which they come, from India to Lebanon, each one according to their origin because the censorship of the past no longer exists and it is possible to “celebrate or train online.” “It has changed our lives, because before bringing sacred texts or Christian material was very difficult, even the Bible. Now with smartphones we have everything on our phone, the breviary, the missals, we no longer have to carry anything.” A process, as throughout the world, that has accelerated with Covid-19, favoring the development of Catholic channels, Masses and training, meetings via Zoom, email and social networks. “People – continues the source – are no longer as isolated as before.
The people we met are well aware of the reality of Saudi Arabia, a country they visited for the first time almost 20 years ago, when it was still difficult to meet or have documents, and everything went through embassies. And that is why today he speaks of a “positive change in two ways: on the one hand, greater online resources, which even according to the priests themselves make work easier and allow the organisation of small communities according to spirituality: Marian, charismatic, linguistic, ritual. On the other hand, the same social change that guarantees greater freedom and a feeling of peace among the people: before there was a strong fear of expulsion, while now, while remaining prudent and respecting local customs, there is also greater freedom, hopefully soon, for worship.”
Religious freedom and reforms
While still the cradle of Sunni Islam (often in opposition to Shia Iran, although relations have improved in recent years) with the two most important places for the Muslim faith, Mecca and Medina, the (Wahhabi) kingdom is undergoing significant change. Previously there was systematic censorship of television, the internet and social media, whereas now there are more possibilities to connect with the outside world. This is also evident for the Catholic Church, with the training of lay ministers and community leaders, and every – private – meeting is a moment of joy. Then there is the issue of the cross, which used to be so sensitive that even the Real Madrid shirt (on which there is a small cross) or the Barcelona shirt used to be removed or only the horizontal (or vertical) axis was kept, whereas now it is no longer a problem. “I myself have experienced this reality, which has changed a lot,” the source said. These words reflect what was said – and experienced – by Card. Sako and the Maronite Patriarch Card. Beshara Raï, who were able to visit the country wearing the Christian symbol on their chest without hesitation.
Changes have also affected the social sphere, with a gradual decline in the influence of the religious police and moral volunteers (the Mutawa) who used to threaten people, even Saudis themselves. It was not allowed to go out with a woman who was not one’s wife or sister, and it was not allowed to talk to boys and girls, but this has now ended. Even certain symbols or holidays linked to Christianity such as the Christmas tree or Valentine’s Day are no longer prohibited, although their display must always be done with discretion and is linked to the various territories, more or less conservative. Finally, there is a greater inclination among the authorities to invite Christian religious leaders as a gesture of good will, recently facilitating the visit of the Chaldean and Maronite Patriarchs.
Immigrants and the local Church
The events surrounding the Hajj, the recently concluded great pilgrimage to Mecca, with more than 1,300 victims, the vast majority of whom were illegal immigrants and foreigners, have brought renewed attention to the non-Saudi population living in the kingdom. “A reality that is perhaps less talked about,” the source reflects, “but which is very similar to that of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates. There are different levels and a structure similar to a hierarchical scale that sees the Americans at the top, then the British and Europeans, Australians, then Filipinos and Indians. At the bottom are Ethiopians, Bangladeshis and Pakistanis. We now have African communities,” he continues, “which did not exist 10 years ago and this also means greater openness towards them.” The driving force behind the arrivals are above all the megaprojects promoted within the framework of Vision 2030, starting with Neomthe futuristic city. In reality, these investments are being reducing This has substantially increased the number of emigrants, although many more are still arriving. Added to this is the plan to “Saudise” the labour market, similar to that of other Gulf countries, which aims to train and hire local staff and which already has at least 20% Saudis.
A policy that also reflects on Christian migrants in Saudi Arabia for work reasons and which also involves a review of the Church’s plans in its silent and discreet work of supporting the local community. After the economic and social reforms, in fact, the religious aspect is still to be developed, but the presence and policies imposed by bin Salman in recent years nourish a moderate hope, although one can already speak of a change of era compared to a few decades ago. A change that is also witnessed by Monsignor Aldo Berardi, head of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia. for more than a year agowho first visited the Saudi kingdom in 2003, a time when attacks against foreigners were still being reported. Today, Catholic communities are focusing on the Eucharist and Marian devotion, asking first of all to be able to approach the sacraments, to cultivate the spiritual aspect; then there is catechesis and ongoing formation, also taking advantage of online; finally, the task of developing communion with the local Church (the vicariate) and the universal Church, overcoming that feeling of isolation that was much more evident in the past, participating in the synodal effort.
The link with the universal Church is very important “so as not to feel isolated,” says the source, but to this is added the “very strong feeling of unity” with the Pope and the local bishop. The jubilee of Saint Areta The source concludes that the Catholic Church is part of a true and local Church, and that it is a people that is renewed in communion with the bishop, with the vicariate and with the universal Church.
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