VATICAN Mons. Hinder: the Pope in Bahrain, for Arab Christians and ‘discreet diplomacy’ with Riyadh

The mass in the stadium was “the most emotional moment”. You could see “the enthusiasm” of tens of thousands of faithful. The “dedication” of the local community in the preparation of the visit. The physical suffering of the pontiff, his “fragility of him”, touched the hearts of Muslims.

Manama () – The “most moving” moment of Pope Francis’ trip to Bahrain, which ended yesterday, was “the mass in the stadium”, where “the enthusiasm” of the faithful from the entire Gulf region “gathered in prayer to celebrate the mystery” was seen. is what it says to Bishop Paul Hinder, apostolic administrator of Northern Arabia (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain), who lived the visit from November 3 to 6 in close contact with the Pontiff and marked by many significant events. Even “on a personal level”, explains Archbishop Hinder, who had already received the Pope in the United Arab Emirates in 2019, a “historic” event that is still alive in his memory: “This second visit involved great dedication on a personal level, well above expectations”.

Asking him for a first assessment of the visit, the bishop of Swiss origin, who has been in the region for a long time, first as vicar of southern Arabia (UAE, Yemen, Oman) and now as apostolic administrator of the north, speaks of a “visit which has gone very well: well organized by both parties, by the Manama government and by the Vatican”. He says he is “admired” by the dedication shown “by these people who devoted themselves day and night to preparing even the smallest detail.” Next, the prelate highlights “the Pope’s speeches”, which he describes as “courageous when it comes to addressing and dealing with basic problems” such as human rights and religious freedom. And besides, their firm postures against the war and in favor of work in a reality made up of migrants.

For Christians in the region, professing the faith is always a challenge, due to the “special situation” in which they find themselves and the fact that “they are not a large number,” says Msgr. Hinder. At the same time, “they have a task to fulfill”, as the Pontiff himself recalled, because “they are called to live the Gospel in their reality in a simple and humble way, but also credible” in a perspective of “peace”. “And both in terms of rights, religious freedom and references to peace,” he added, “those who listened and should have understood, got the message.”

The trip these days follows the visit to the Emirates in 2019, a historic first for a pontiff in a Gulf nation. “It’s certainly part of the same logic and continuity, although it’s still a budding process.” A process of “closeness in mutual respect and reciprocal understanding”, especially “at the level of action that is in the mind of the Pope, despite being different [el cristianismo y el islam] in religion and doctrine”. But the goal is to “reach common ground” to strengthen “synergy”, a process that “cannot happen in a day, but the Pope’s insistence is an element that brings strength and confidence “, although there are no immediate results and not all expectations are met 100%.

No document has been signed in Bahrain, because the text signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 remains valid, which is also the heart of the encyclical Fratelli Tutti. Archbishop Hinder adds: what remains is “the continuity in the teaching and practice” of Islamic-Christian relations. In the meeting with priests, nuns and laity dedicated to pastoral work, a “strong encouragement” arose to continue the mission. The prelate acknowledges that he spoke “at an unexpected and personal moment” with the pontiff about the situation of Christians in Saudi Arabia, some of whom had followed the apostolic journey live. “There is a bridge, not only physical” between the two countries that favors connections and exchanges, even for the Christian community. At the same time, a “discreet diplomacy” is underway that “we understand is the most effective” in order to bear fruit in the future.

“For the faithful”, concludes Bishop Hinder, “the presence of the Pope has been a source of great joy and pride. He came three times in two years. And taking into account the Covid-19 pandemic and the health of the pontiff, this It makes us see that they do not forget us and it is an element of great consolation. In addition, Francis has touched the hearts not only of Christians, but also of Muslims, who see his fragility, the physical difficulties of the Pope, but also the strength to make these trips and meet us with humility.