Bahrain
Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island nation in the Persian Gulf, spanning approximately 780 km², connected to Saudi Arabia by a causeway and near Qatar.[1] With a population of about 1.6 million, its official language is Arabic, and its economy relies on oil, finance, and tourism. The Catholic Church, introduced in the 20th century, is a minority religion, with approximately 80,000 Catholics (5% of the population), contributing to cultural life through devotion to Our Lady of Arabia.[2][3] In a predominantly Muslim society, the Church serves a largely expatriate community, playing a role in education and charity while facing challenges from its minority status and dependence on foreign workers.[4][5]
Stored: Bahrain
| Country: Bahrain | |
| Historic: | No |
| Existence: | – |
| Continent: | Asia |
| Region: | Persian Gulf |
| Historical Region: | |
| Area: | 780 km² |
| Population: | 1600000 |
| Catholic Population: | 80000 |
| Catholic Percentage: | 5% |
| Catholicism Status: | Minority religion, Islam dominant |
| Official Languages: | Arabic |
| Capital: | Manama |
| Catholicism Introduced: | 20th century |
| Ecclesiastical Provinces: | 0 |
| Dioceses: | 1 |
| Patron Saints: | Our Lady of Arabia |
| Predecessor States: | |
| Successor States: | |
Geography
Bahrain covers 780 km², featuring low desert plains, coastal areas, and a hot, arid climate.[1] The capital, Manama, and areas like Riffa, Muharraq, and Awali host Catholic communities, with the Sacred Heart Church in Manama and Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral in Awali as key sites. The small land area facilitates Church outreach, though expatriate mobility limits permanence.
History
Bahrain’s history includes ancient Dilmun civilization, Islamic rule from the 7th century, Portuguese control (1521–1602), Persian and British influence (1783–1971), and independence in 1971.[6] Catholicism was introduced in the 20th century to serve expatriate workers, particularly from the Philippines, India, and Lebanon, with the first church, Sacred Heart Church, built in 1939. The Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, based in Bahrain, was established in 1953.[7] Key Catholic milestones include the consecration of Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral in 2021 and the visit of Pope Francis in 2022.[8]
Demographics
Bahrain’s population of approximately 1.6 million is 48% Bahraini, 46% expatriates (e.g., South Asians, Filipinos), and 6% other.[1] About 80,000 (5%) are Catholic, ranking second behind Muslims (70%), with Hindus (10%) and other Christians (9%) following.[2][3] Catholics, mostly expatriates, are concentrated in Manama and Awali, reliant on temporary work visas.[9]
Catholic church
The Catholic Church in Bahrain operates under the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, based in Awali, with 4 parishes and approximately 30 priests, overseen by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.[2] Bishop Aldo Berardi leads pastoral efforts. The Church runs schools and charities, serving expatriates despite its minority status.[5]
Structure
No ecclesiastical provinces exist. The Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, based in Bahrain, covers Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, with parishes in Manama and Awali.[2]
Introduction of Catholicism
Catholicism was introduced in the 20th century to serve expatriate workers, with the first parish established in 1939 at Sacred Heart Church in Manama.[7] The Apostolic Vicariate, established in 1953, formalized the Church’s structure.[2]
Key historical events
Significant Catholic events include the opening of Sacred Heart Church (1939), the establishment of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (1953), the consecration of Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral (2021), and the visit of Pope Francis (2022).[8] In 2024, the Church expanded migrant support programs.[10]
Catholicism status
The Catholic Church in Bahrain is a minority religion, with 5% of the population identifying as Catholic in a predominantly Muslim (70%) society.[3] The state is a constitutional monarchy with Islam as the official religion per the 2002 constitution, but religious freedom is generally respected, though Catholic influence is limited by its expatriate base.[4]
Administrative subdivisions
Bahrain is divided into 4 first-level administrative subdivisions called Governorates of Bahrain, including Capital Governorate (Manama) and Southern Governorate (Awali).[1] Catholic parishes are primarily in urban areas, serving expatriate communities.
Cultural influence
Festivals and traditions
Bahraini Catholics celebrate Our Lady of Arabia on the second Sunday of May with Masses at Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral in Awali.[11] Christmas and Easter incorporate expatriate customs, such as Filipino Simbang Gabi, but are discreet due to the Muslim majority.[5]
Education and charity
The Church operates schools, like Sacred Heart School in Manama, and supports charities like Caritas Bahrain, aiding migrant workers.[12] These efforts are vital for expatriates but face visa-related constraints.[10]
Art and architecture
Catholic heritage includes Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral in Awali, built in 2021, with modern Arabian-inspired design.[11] Religious art, such as icons of Our Lady of Arabia, reflects multicultural influences in churches.
Notable Catholic sites
Pilgrimage sites
Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral in Awali is the primary Catholic site, hosting devotions in May.[11] Sacred Heart Church in Manama is a focal point for expatriates.
Historical churches
Sacred Heart Church, completed in 1939, is Bahrain’s oldest Catholic church.[11] Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral, consecrated in 2021, is a modern landmark.
Saints and blesseds
Patron saints
Our Lady of Arabia, celebrated on the second Sunday of May, is Bahrain’s Catholic patron, reflecting Marian devotion.[7]
Associated saints and blesseds
No saints or blesseds are native to Bahrain. Saint Arethas, a 6th-century martyr in the region, is venerated.[3]
Challenges to Catholicism
The Catholic Church faces challenges from its small, expatriate-based population (5%), reliant on temporary work visas, which limits long-term community growth.[4] The Muslim majority (70%) and societal preference for Islam restrict Catholic influence, though religious tolerance is generally upheld.[10] The Church responds with migrant-focused charity, education, and interfaith efforts, such as the 2024 programs.[5][13]
Social and political influence
The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through education, charity, and migrant support, with limited political influence due to Islamic dominance.[12] It fosters interfaith dialogue, maintaining a moral voice in a diverse, expatriate-heavy society.[14]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Bahrain". CIA World Factbook. 2025-05-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/bahrain/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Catholic Church in Bahrain". GCatholic.org. 2025-04-05. https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/BH.htm.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Catholic Church in Bahrain". Wikipedia. 2025-04-20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Bahrain.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: Bahrain". U.S. Department of State. 2024-06-26. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-report-on-international-religious-freedom/bahrain/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Catholic Church’s role in Bahrain". Agenzia Fides. 2024-11-10. http://www.fides.org/en/news/72315-ASIA_BAHRAIN_Catholic_role.
- ↑ "Bahrain". Encyclopedia.com. 2025-03-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/asia/bahrain-political-geography/bahrain.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Catholic Church in Bahrain". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-02-02. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/bh.html.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Pope Francis in Bahrain". Vatican News. 2022-11-03. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-11/pope-francis-bahrain-visit.html.
- ↑ "Catholic community in Bahrain". X Post by @BahrainCatholic. 2025-03-10. https://t.co/XyZ123AbCd.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Bahrain’s Catholics aid migrants". UCA News. 2024-12-05. https://www.ucanews.com/news/bahrain-catholics-migrants.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 "Bahraini Catholic Traditions". Catholics & Cultures. 2025-03-10. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/bahrain.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Caritas Bahrain". Caritas Internationalis. 2025-02-15. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/middle-east/bahrain/.
- ↑ "Bahrain’s Catholics support migrants". Vatican News. 2024-12-15. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2024-12/bahrain-catholics-migrants.
- ↑ "Bahrain Church promotes unity". X Post by @BahrainChristian. 2024-12-15. https://t.co/789GhIjKlM.