From June 21 to 24, Bishop Paolo Martinelli participated in an international conference of experts, on the Christian presence in the Middle East, organized by Missio Aachen, which has been promoting such initiatives since 2012.

This year’s meeting was dedicated to the theme “Migration and Christian Identity.” The topic is particularly significant for the Church in the Gulf, where Catholic communities are composed entirely of migrants. At the same time, Christian communities in the wider Middle East are facing emigration, while new migration movements continue to transform both social and ecclesial realities.

These developments raise important questions about the future of the Christian presence in the region and about the ways in which Christian communities understand and express their identity in different social and cultural contexts.

The conference offered participants opportunities for an in-depth reflection, mutual learning, and exchange of experiences. It also helped strengthen relationships, friendship, and cooperation among those serving the Church in different contexts.