Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Raï will depart for Bahrain next Wednesday to meet Pope Francis for the closing of the Bahrain Dialogue Forum titled "East and West for Human Coexistence." Organizers of the historic papal visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, from November 3rd to 6th, have stated that approximately 28,000 people will participate in the public Mass to be presided over by the Holy Father at the Bahrain National Stadium on Saturday morning, November 4, 2022. The majority of the attendees—about 24,000 people—will be from Bahrain, while the remaining participants will come from neighboring countries. Among them, 2,000 individuals are confirmed to come from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is estimated to host no less than 1.5 million Catholics, predominantly foreign workers from various parts of the world, particularly from the Philippines and India.
John John, Director of Media at the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, which includes the UAE, Oman, and Yemen, indicated that the expected attendance at the Pope's Mass would be 28,000 people, which is the stadium's capacity, with the majority being from Bahrain, around 24,000 people. In addition to the 2,000 people already registered from Saudi Arabia, 500 seats have been allocated for the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman, along with 900 other spots for worshippers coming from several countries. Worshippers will gather at the Bahrain International Circuit before being transported to the stadium via buses provided by the Bahraini government. The Circuit is expected to open its doors to participants wishing to attend the Mass at 2:00 AM, while the Bahrain National Stadium will open at 4:00 AM.
Over 700 volunteers and approximately 300 laypeople designated as "Eucharistic Ministers" will assist the priests in administering communion to attendees, along with 120 priests and a group of bishops and cardinals. The limited seating at the Bahrain National Stadium is quickly filling up, as those wishing to attend from Saudi Arabia have completed their online registration. Bahraini authorities will issue electronic visas for individuals with official invitations to attend the Mass.
Bishop Paul Hinder, Apostolic Administrator of the Northern Vicariate of the Arabian Peninsula, noted that he has been informed by Bahraini authorities that electronic visas will be issued to all those holding valid entry permits. He expressed gratitude to the authorities "who are working diligently to make the necessary arrangements for the success of the papal visit, especially the celebratory Mass" to be led by the Holy Father.
In a message published across the websites of churches in Bahrain, Bishop Hinder urged believers who cannot attend the Mass in person due to limited capacity to "understand." He stated, "I know that many of you wish to participate personally, but at the same time, we must consider that the stadium's capacity does not match the size of the Catholic community in Bahrain, not to mention the Catholic community in the Vicariate."
Additionally, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Arabian Peninsula in Awali, a small town about 20 kilometers south of the capital Manama, is preparing to welcome Pope Francis on the evening of Friday, November 4th, for an ecumenical meeting and prayer for peace. This cathedral is the largest church in the Gulf region, accommodating at least 2,300 people. Father Saji Thomas, the parish priest responsible for the cathedral, expressed, "We are very excited to meet Pope Francis and receive his blessing." He added, "The shepherd is coming, leading the flock through his writings and example, spreading a message of peace. Therefore, everyone is looking forward to November."
