Originally published at National Catholic Register
Bishop Martinelli said he sees Pope Francis’ teachings and actions on interfaith dialogue as deeply spiritual.
A bishop in Yemen, along with two groups of sisters from St. Teresa of Calcutta’s Missionaries of Charity, are working to build interfaith connections through charitable service.
Bishop Paolo Martinelli, who serves as the apostolic vicar for Southern Arabia, emphasized the special importance of interfaith dialogue in Yemen.
Speaking to ACI Mena, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, about his office’s work on interfaith and ecumenical dialogue, Martinelli discussed his jurisdiction, which covers the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen. He explained that religious workers in Yemen help anyone in need, regardless of their faith. He shared that these dedicated individuals demonstrate how love can open hearts and bring different religions together.
Bishop Martinelli described Yemeni people as kind and reserved. He said he believes his office will help support religious freedom for all faiths there. He pointed out that after 10 years of civil war, the Christian population has dropped significantly — from thousands to just a few hundred Catholics.
Creating an Office for Dialogue
Bishop Martinelli explained that the “dialogue office” is now based at the apostolic vicariate headquarters in Abu Dhabi. After
