Bahrain-Vatican Relations: A Model of Dialogue, Tolerance, and Shared Human Values

The relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Holy See stands as a pioneering model of cooperation grounded in shared noble values and human principles, aimed at promoting a culture of coexistence, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. This vision has been championed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the steadfast support of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, positioning Bahrain as a regional and global beacon of human peace and civilizational understanding.

In continuation of these distinguished relations, the Crown Prince’s recent visit to the Vatican and his meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV marks a new milestone, further strengthening bilateral ties and advancing collaboration to serve the principles of peace and elevated human coexistence advocated by all religions and cultures.

Bahrain enjoys significant respect from the Vatican for its longstanding history of embracing and respecting all religions, beliefs, and cultures, as well as shared aspirations with the Holy See in pursuing noble humanitarian goals. These shared principles have been key in elevating bilateral relations to advanced levels.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa first visited the Vatican in November 1999, during the first year of his reign, meeting Pope John Paul II to embody his vision of bridging dialogue and cooperation between East and West. He visited again in May 2014 at the invitation of Pope Francis, further strengthening ties and expanding avenues for dialogue and collaboration.

The Crown Prince visited the Vatican in February 2020, meeting Pope Francis and expressing Bahrain’s appreciation for the Pope’s efforts in promoting understanding, tolerance, and universal human values embraced by diverse religions and civilizations.

High-level Vatican visits to Bahrain have reinforced these relations, including that of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, in May 2014, and of His Excellency Archbishop Francisco Montecillo Padilla, Vatican Ambassador to Bahrain, in December 2016, highlighting the shared commitment to fostering noble humanitarian values, peace, and coexistence for the prosperity and development of present and future generations.

In November 2022, Pope Francis made a historic visit to Bahrain at the invitation of His Majesty the King. The Pope attended the "Bahrain Dialogue Forum: East and West for Human Coexistence," alongside Al-Azhar Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb and other religious leaders, further establishing Bahrain as a global center for dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation. His Majesty welcomed the visit, emphasizing the shared commitment to human peace and civilizational coexistence, stating that the visit would leave a profound spiritual and moral impact across the Gulf and Arab regions.

His Majesty also visited the Vatican in October 2023, reviewing efforts to enhance religious coexistence and continuing joint cultural projects, including collaboration between the King Hamad Digital Library and the Vatican Apostolic Library.

Reflecting its civilizational heritage and shared human values, Bahrain participated in the official delegation for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, led by His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Royal Court, alongside global leaders and delegations from nearly 200 countries.

The relationship between Bahrain and the Vatican extends beyond diplomatic representation and official meetings. It embodies Bahrain’s steadfast commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to placing human values at the core of its international relations, contributing actively to global efforts to achieve peace, human fraternity, and the spread of dialogue and tolerance worldwide.