Vatican city: The Kingdom of Bahrain and the Vatican City State have long enjoyed a partnership rooted in shared humanitarian principles that encourage coexistence, tolerance, and dialogue among different religions and cultures. This relationship has been further solidified under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, establishing Bahrain as a center for peace and mutual understanding.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the upcoming official visit of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to the Vatican City State, where he will meet His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, marks a significant step in advancing bilateral relations. The visit aims to continue the cooperation in support of the values of peace and coexistence shared by all faiths and cultures.
Bahrain is highly regarded by the Vatican for its commitment to protecting and respecting all religions and beliefs, and its alignment with the Vatican’s goals of serving humanity. These shared values have been instrumental in enhancing relations and elevating them to new levels.
His Majesty the King’s visit to the Vatican in November 1999, shortly after his ascension, and his meeting with the late Pope John Paul II, underscored his vision of fostering communication and cooperation between East and West. This vision was further highlighted during his subsequent visit to the Vatican in May 2014, at the invitation of Pope Francis, which broadened the scope of dialogue and collaboration.
In February 2020, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister visited the Vatican to meet with the late Pope Francis. The meeting highlighted Bahrain’s appreciation for the Pope’s efforts in promoting mutual understanding and universal human values.
The relationship has also been reinforced through visits from Vatican officials. Notably, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, visited Bahrain in May 2014, and Archbishop Francisco Montecillo Padilla, the Apostolic Nuncio to Bahrain, led a delegation visit in December 2016, showcasing the elevated level of relations and the shared commitment to peace and fraternity.
In November 2022, the late Pope Francis visited Bahrain at the invitation of His Majesty the King. During the visit, the Pope participated in the ‘Bahrain Forum for Dialogue,’ emphasizing Bahrain’s role as a global hub for dialogue and tolerance.
His Majesty the King valued the Pope’s visit, noting its significant moral and spiritual impact. He highlighted the Pope’s leadership qualities, aligning with Bahrain’s commitment to dialogue and communication among diverse faiths.
In October 2023, His Majesty visited the Vatican to discuss peace and interfaith coexistence, alongside cultural initiatives between the King Hamad Digital Library and the Vatican Apostolic Library.
Bahrain also participated in the inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV, with an official delegation led by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Court of the Prime Minister. The event reflected Bahrain’s commitment to humanitarian values in international relations, contributing to global efforts for peace and dialogue.