Ahmadi Church gains status of a Minor Basilica, a regional first
The Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi has been elevated to the rank of Minor Basilica, the first in the Arabian Gulf to receive this distinguished title from the Holy See. The recognition honors its role as a spiritual center for Kuwait’s Catholic community and highlights Kuwait’s tradition of religious openness and interfaith coexistence.
Special Report
The Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi, Kuwait, marked a historic milestone with its formal elevation to the rank of Minor Basilica, the first such canonical designation of its kind in the Arabian Peninsula.
This distinguished designation, conferred by the Holy See, recognizes the church’s spiritual, pastoral, and historical significance as a center of devotion for Kuwait’s vibrant Catholic community, particularly among migrant workers.
The honor reflects not only the deep ties between Kuwait, a haven for religious tolerance, and the Vatican but also the nation’s longstanding tradition of religious openness and coexistence, uniting Christians and Muslims alike in respect for the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Elaborating on the historic occasion, the Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Archbishop Eugene M. Nugent speaking to The Times Kuwait said: “The Catholic community in Kuwait is preparing to celebrate a milestone of historic importance following the elevation of The Church of Our Lady of Arabia to the dignity of a Minor Basilica, the first church in the Arabian Peninsula to receive this title. The decree, issued by the Holy See on 28 June, 2025, has been warmly welcomed by the faithful and clergy alike.
“This decision reflects the deep and longstanding bonds between the State of Kuwait and the Holy See. For decades, Kuwait has been a place of welcome for people of many nations and religions, and the Catholic community has flourished here under the protection and hospitality of the State. The recognition of Our Lady of Arabia as a Minor Basilica is seen not only as an honor for the Church but also as a tribute to Kuwait’s openness and its role as a bridge of dialogue in the region.”
He added that conferring this distinction reflects the special pastoral care that Pope Leo XIV, attributes to the Church in Kuwait and for its people, both citizens and residents. “His decision highlights the significance of this parish as a spiritual home for thousands of Catholics across the country, many of them migrant workers who find strength and consolation in their faith,” said the archbishop.
He went on to say: “Here I would like to quote what Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, Bishop Aldo Berardi, said: ‘This title is a gift for all of us. It reminds us that the Church in Kuwait is not isolated but deeply connected to the universal Church. It is also a recognition of the generosity and openness of Kuwait, a country that has made space for people of all faiths to live and worship in peace.”
Archbishop Nugent, who represents the Holy See in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, went on to reveal that the new Basilica hopes to deepen its mission, particularly in nurturing the next generation of the faithful. “Events like the Jubilee of Youth remind the Church how important it is to give younger Catholics a sense of belonging and mission. Plans are being made to strengthen youth engagement through pilgrimages and retreats, formation in leadership and service, cultural and artistic initiatives, charitable projects, and digital evangelization.
“I would like to stress that the future of the Church in Kuwait rests in the hands of our youth. The Basilica must be a home for them—a place where they find strength in prayer, joy in friendship, and the courage to serve, as Christ has taught us.”
He went on to add, “The new Basilica of Our Lady of Arabia stands as a beacon of faith and unity, house of prayer open to all, a center of formation for the young, and a sign of harmony with Muslim brothers and sisters who also honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. “
Founded in 1948 by Carmelites and built with support from the Kuwait Oil Company, the church houses the revered statue of Our Lady of Arabia, blessed by Pope Pius XII and crowned in 2011 on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI.
“May Our Lady of Arabia continue to watch over Kuwait, the Gulf, and all its people, and may this new chapter strengthen the bonds of friendship between Kuwait and the Vatican, while reaffirming the Holy Father’s closeness to the faithful of this land,” said Archbishop Nugent.
