In accordance with the decree issued by His Holiness Pope Francis dated July 22, 2020 regarding the jurisdiction of the Catholic Eastern Patriarchs over the Arabian Peninsula, and based on Article 24 of the Particular Law which states that "the Patriarch overseas his Church in its entirety", and after the consultation of the permanent Synod on October 29, 2020, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai has appointed Bishop Joseph Naffah, the Patriarchal Vicar General in the Jebbeh District and in Ehden-Zagharta District, Patriarchal Visitor for the Maronites in the countries of the Arabian Peninsula.

The decree stipulates that the duties of the new Patriarchal Visitor include visiting the Maronites and caring for their spiritual pastoral and social needs as well remaining in contact with them; in addition to ensuring the observance of their liturgical patrimony and their traditions with the Latin and Maronite parishes.

Further duties include cooperation with the Apostolic Nuncios and Apostolic Vicars in the northern and southern Arabia in matters relevant to sending Maronite priests to serve the faithful of this Church in the countries of the Arabian Peninsula and ensuring their accommodations; building parish churches and special Maronite centers; and discussing with the relevant authorities all matters related to the official relations with the civil authorities in the Arabian Peninsula.

The decree asks God through the intercession of Our Lady and Saint Maron to bless Bishop Joseph Naffah's mission for the glory of God and the goodness of the Maronites in the countries of the Arabian Peninsula.