Welcome to the insightful world of Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, who discusses the importance of religions in promoting peaceful co-existence amidst the ongoing violence in the Middle East. In a recent interview with Vatican News, Bishop Martinelli emphasized the critical role that faith communities can play in humanizing the world and fostering reconciliation.
As the violence in the Holy Land and Lebanon spills over into the Arabian Peninsula, Bishop Martinelli calls for a reevaluation of diplomatic protocols and a return to dialogue to break the vicious cycle of vengeance. “We need to find paths of reconciliation and peace for the good of all,” he stressed.
Highlighting the peaceful coexistence in countries like the United Arab Emirates and Oman, where diverse religious institutions stand side by side, Bishop Martinelli underscores the positive impact of sharing spiritual traditions on society.
He also commends the ongoing Synod on Synodality as a concrete example of how differences can be embraced through dialogue and mutual understanding. Bishop Martinelli believes that listening to one another and discerning God’s will together can lead to paths of goodness for both the Church and the world.
Reflecting on Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania, Bishop Martinelli draws parallels with the Pope’s visits to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrein, emphasizing the importance of accepting and appreciating differences. He finds the encounter with others, despite their differences, to be enriching and essential for promoting harmony and fraternity.
