Following is the text of Bishop Paoli Martinelli’s address to the faithful of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia in the current developments dated February 28, 2026:

May the Lord grant you peace.

We are all concern of the international situation in the Middle East about the developments. First of all, I appeal to all of you, dear faithful of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, to remain calm and serene, while at the same time carefully follow all the instructions given by our civil authorities.

Most of all it is a time for all of us to remain united in prayer for peace. I invite you all to pray the rosary every day for peace and reconciliation. During all Holy Masses, let us pray for peace and security of all people in this region.

May the Lord protect you and your families; may Our Lady of Arabia watch over us all; may our patrons Peter and Paul protect us; and may the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi grant us peace.

May the Lord give you His Holy Blessing.

+ Paolo Martinelli, OFMCap
Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia