Cardinal Parolin visits Kuwait, to lead basilica elevation ceremony

13/01/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 13: Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait Monsignor Eugene Martin Nugent announced that His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, will arrive in Kuwait today for a three day official visit. Speaking at a press conference, he explained that Cardinal Parolin, as Secretary of State, is the highest-ranking diplomatic representative of the Holy See. The visit coincides with celebrations marking the designation of Our Lady of Arabia Church in Ahmadi as a minor basilica. Cardinal Parolin is scheduled to preside over the official ceremony on Friday, January 16.

In response to a question about the term “Minor Basilica” and its significance, Msgr. Nugent explained that it is a church granted a special title by the Pope in recognition of its historical, spiritual, and pastoral importance. This honor reflects a special bond with the Bishop of Rome and calls on the church to serve as a model of liturgical life, prayer, and hospitality. Msgr. Nugent highlighted that Our Lady of Arabia Church is the first minor basilica in the Arabian Peninsula, making it a historical landmark for the region

Regarding the reason for choosing Our Lady of Arabia Church for this honor, Msgr. Nugent said, “Our Lady of Arabia Church is considered the mother church in Kuwait. It was originally built in 1958, and the current building, constructed in 1975, was a gift from the Kuwait Oil Company. The church has always been a spiritual haven for Catholics of various nationalities and holds immense historical and pastoral significance in the Gulf region.” Regarding Kuwait’s role in the Holy See’s relations with the Gulf states, Msgr. Nugent said, “Kuwait occupies a unique position in the Holy See’s relations with the region. It was the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with the Vatican in 1968 and to host a papal embassy.

Kuwait has consistently shown openness, hospitality, and respect for religious coexistence, which the Holy See greatly values. Furthermore, Msgr. Nugent said, “During his visit, Cardinal Parolin is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Kuwaiti officials. These meetings aim to reaffirm and strengthen the friendly relations and cooperation between the Holy See and the State of Kuwait. Although the visit focuses on Kuwait, it carries wider regional significance.

The Holy See places great importance on its long-standing relations with all Gulf states and views this visit as a testament to its commitment to the entire region. The small cathedral seeks to serve Catholics throughout the Gulf and to stand as a symbol of dialogue and coexistence.” Regarding the visit’s connection to interfaith dialogue, Msgr. Nugent said, “This visit highlights Kuwait’s long history of peaceful coexistence among different religions. The Holy See places great importance on dialogue with the Islamic world, including ongoing and effective communication with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The construction of a church in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula is seen as a testament to mutual respect and shared values.” When asked about the message the Vatican hopes to convey through the visit, Msgr. Nugent said, “This visit carries a message of friendship, gratitude, and hope. It underscores the Holy See’s appreciation for Kuwait’s openness, its commitment to coexistence, and its care for the diverse communities within its borders. It also reassures Catholics in the Gulf that they are an integral part of the universal Church and are highly valued.”

Msgr. Nugent confirmed that the official announcement of the conversion of the small cathedral into a basilica will take place on Friday, January 16 at Our Lady of Arabia Church in Ahmadi, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin will preside over the main ceremony. It is worth highlighting that the Vatican had announced last August the elevation of Our Lady of Arabia Church in Ahmadi to the status of a “minor basilica,” making it the first church in the Arabian Gulf region to receive this title. The designation was issued by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on June 28, 2025.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff