Pope Leo’s representative will preside over event marking the proclamation of the Parish Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi as a Minor Basilica
KUWAIT: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, will undertake an official visit to Kuwait from 14 to 16 January 2026, the Vatican’s embassy announced. As Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin is the Holy See’s highest-ranking diplomatic representative.
The visit takes place within the framework of the celebrations marking the proclamation of the Parish Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi as a Minor Basilica. Cardinal Parolin will preside over the proclamation ceremony on Friday, 16 January 2026.
A Minor Basilica is a church that has been granted a special title by the Pope in recognition of its historical, spiritual, and pastoral significance.
The Church of Our Lady of Arabia is the first Minor Basilica in the Arabian Peninsula, making this a historic milestone for the region.
The Church of Our Lady of Arabia is considered the mother church of Kuwait. The first chapel was built in 1948, and the present church was constructed in 1957 as a gift from the Kuwait Oil Company. It has long served as a spiritual home for Catholics of many nationalities and holds deep historical and pastoral importance in the Gulf.
Kuwait occupies a unique place in the Holy See’s relations with the region. It was the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic relations with the Vatican in 1968 and to host an Apostolic Nunciature. Kuwait has consistently demonstrated openness, hospitality, and respect for religious coexistence, which the Holy See values greatly.
While the visit focuses on Kuwait, it has broader regional significance. The Holy See cherishes its longstanding relations with all Gulf countries and views this visit as a sign of its commitment to the entire region. The Minor Basilica is intended to serve Catholics across the Gulf and to stand as a symbol of dialogue and coexistence.
During his stay, Cardinal Parolin is expected to hold bilateral meetings with State Authorities. These meetings aim to reaffirm and further strengthen the cordial relations and cooperation between the Holy See and the State of Kuwait.
The visit highlights Kuwait’s long tradition of peaceful coexistence among different religions. The Holy See places great importance on dialogue with the Islamic world, including the ongoing and meaningful engagement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The elevation of a church in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula is seen as a sign of mutual respect and shared values.
The visit conveys a message of friendship, gratitude, and hope. It affirms the Holy See’s appreciation for Kuwait’s openness, its commitment to coexistence, and its care for the diverse communities living within its borders. It also reassures Catholics in the Gulf that they are an integral and valued part of the universal Church.
The solemn proclamation of the Minor Basilica will take place on Friday, 16 January 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi. Cardinal Pietro Parolin will preside as Principal Celebrant.
