Bahrain Supports Vatican's Message of Peace and Tolerance
Bahrain’s deep-rooted commitment to peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue was once again in the spotlight as an official delegation from the Kingdom attended the inauguration of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost) in Vatican City.
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Led by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Bahraini delegation stood alongside leaders from nearly 200 nations at St. Peter’s Square, a clear sign of Bahrain’s active global presence and strong relationship with the Vatican.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Bahrain and the Holy See officially established diplomatic ties in January 2000, but the two have long shared a mutual vision for peaceful coexistence, respect for diversity, and promotion of humanitarian values. Over the years, their relationship has grown stronger, especially under the leadership of the late Pope Francis.
Pope Francis’s papacy marked a defining chapter in Bahrain-Vatican ties. The historic 2022 visit of the pontiff to Bahrain, where he joined Grand Imam of Al Azhar Professor Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb at the “Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence” was a major milestone that highlighted the Kingdom’s role as a regional leader in fostering interfaith dialogue.
Following Pope Francis’s passing in April 2025, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa extended his condolences, praising the late Pope’s efforts in promoting global dialogue and his principled stance against conflict and war. His Majesty described Pope Francis as a symbol of peace, justice, and human fraternity.
Welcoming Pope Leo XIV
With the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, Bahrain has expressed warm congratulations and hope for even closer collaboration with the Vatican to promote peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding across nations and faiths.
Born in 1955 in Illinois, USA, Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost) is the first American pontiff in history. He was elected by the College of Cardinals on May 8, 2025, and brings a strong background in global ministry, particularly from his time in Peru. Fluent in six languages and deeply respected for his leadership, the new Pope has reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the Vatican’s mission of fostering peace through dialogue.
In his first address to the diplomatic corps, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict through genuine dialogue. He highlighted the need to go beyond simply avoiding war, saying, “Peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a true commitment to understanding and collaboration.”
Read More: ALBUM: Pope Francis visits Bahrain
Bahrain’s Global Message of Peace
Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, continues to lead the region in peacebuilding efforts. Through initiatives like the King Hamad Award for Coexistence, the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance, and the King Hamad Chair for Interfaith Dialogue at Sapienza University in Rome, Bahrain is working to build bridges between cultures and religions.
The Kingdom has also called for an international convention to criminalize hate speech based on religion, sect, or race, reinforcing its stand against extremism and its vision for a sustainable and inclusive global future.
Bahrain’s participation in the Vatican’s historic transition reflects more than just diplomacy, it’s a continuation of its active role in shaping a world where peace, tolerance, and coexistence are more than ideals, but everyday practices. As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, Bahrain’s enduring message remains clear: dialogue matters, and peace is always worth striving for.