Pope Leo XIV met on Thursday with members of the Conference of Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions (CELRA) during their annual gathering in Rome. Acknowledging that these prelates shepherd diverse communities across vast regions often fractured by political, social, and religious conflict, the Pope paid tribute to the local Churches’ enduring witness. He highlighted the sacrifices of priests, religious, and laypersons who have suffered martyrdom in war-torn nations like Iraq and Syria, calling on current Church leaders to draw near to their people and help heal the wounds caused by ongoing displacement and instability.
Emphasizing that a Church’s true fruitfulness lies in its fidelity rather than its numerical strength, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the Bishops to make the Gospel tangible through direct service in parishes, schools, and healthcare ministries. While addressing pressing humanitarian emergencies, he reminded them not to lose sight of the core mission of proclamation, prayer, the Sacraments, and Christian formation. He urged particular pastoral care for families and young people navigating uncertainty, as well as the vast numbers of migrant workers residing in the Gulf region, calling on local parishes to become welcoming homes where every migrant is embraced as a brother or sister.
Concluding his address, the Pontiff highlighted the importance of preserving unity among the various Christian rites and fostering sincere interreligious dialogue, particularly with Muslim communities. Describing dialogue as an authentic expression of faith without fear of encounter, he noted that small gestures of respect and cooperation can pave the way toward reconciliation in areas torn apart by war. He called on the Bishops to prioritize fidelity over recognition, serving their flocks as men of prayer, advocates for justice, and steadfast artisans of peace.