Vatican envoy praises Kuwait as model of religious coexistence and tolerance in the region
Apostolic Nuncio highlights Kuwait’s role in promoting interfaith dialogue and global peace; lauds leadership in religious harmony and humanitarian values
The Times Kuwait Report
The Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait, Archbishop Eugene Nugent, has praised Kuwait as a living model of religious coexistence, tolerance, and cultural diversity, noting that hundreds of thousands of Catholics live and work in the country in an environment defined by mutual respect and peaceful cooperation.
He made the remarks during a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV, attended by Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Sadiq Maarafi, along with diplomats, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.
The Vatican envoy emphasized that the Holy See stands in solidarity with Kuwait during recent challenges, praising the wisdom of the country’s leadership under His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, as well as the government’s effective management of difficult circumstances. He also commended the efforts of frontline workers, including the army, police, and medical teams.
Archbishop Nugent stressed that the world urgently needs to strengthen interfaith dialogue to promote peaceful coexistence among nations and peoples, noting that faith, when practiced sincerely, serves as a force for unity rather than division.
He also highlighted the Vatican’s relations with Muslim-majority countries, pointing to Pope Leo XIV’s openness toward the Islamic world through his visits to several nations, including Algeria, which he described as a historic visit marked by mutual respect, dialogue, and fraternity.
The Vatican envoy said such initiatives reflect the Vatican’s commitment to building bridges between religions and fostering a global culture of peace, adding that the recent visit of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, to Kuwait was an important milestone that strengthened the presence of the Catholic Church in the country. He noted that the elevation of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi to the status of a Minor Basilica further reflects the strength of religious life and coexistence in Kuwait.
Speaking about the anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s election on May 8, 2025, Archbishop Nugent said the first year of the pontificate has already defined a clear vision centered on peace and dialogue, with the Pope’s first message calling for global peace based on justice, respect, and understanding between peoples.
He added that Pope Leo XIV has consistently emphasized dialogue between religions and cultures, particularly in conflict-affected regions, urging the international community to prioritize negotiation and rapprochement amid ongoing global and regional challenges.
Archbishop Nugent concluded by expressing gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership and people for their hospitality and support, wishing the country continued security, stability, and prosperity, and reaffirming that the celebration was not only a moment of remembrance but also an opportunity to renew commitment to peace, dialogue, and human fraternity.
