The signing of this document on Human Fraternity in 2019 marked a turning point in the relationship between the Vatican and Muslim world.
It was a document that laid the foundations for improving dialogue between Islam and Christianity. The trip to Bahrain is another step in this journey. There, Pope Francis will participate in a forum on dialogue between the East and the West.
BP. PAUL HINDER
Apostolic Administrator of Northern Arabia
We know it's really a point at the heart of the Holy Father to improve the relationship with the Muslim world, not simply to make peace. I think that we have [it] basically. But to develop common bases.
Bishop Paul Hinder served as the Apostolic Administer of Arabia from 2005 to 2011 and he is currently the Apostolic Administrator of Northern Arabia.
In Bahrain, Christians can face government surveillance and are restricted from converting Muslims. Bishop Hinder explains that the country is majority Muslim. But for the 80,000 Catholics—many of them migrants from Asia and the Middle East—it is a safe place to practice their faith.
BP. PAUL HINDER
Apostolic Administrator of Northern Arabia
Bahrain traditionally has been a very open country also towards the Christians. It's not by chance that the first Church from the Gulf side was built in Bahrain in 1939.
And the relationship has always been good and also the direct contact with the Emir at the time, respectively with the king, His Majesty now.
Christian workers had to return to their countries of origin during the pandemic. It was a difficult blow for the Christian community as it changed the structure and makeup of the Church.
KG
