Pope Leo XIV receives CELRA members

Pope Leo XIV met with members of the Conference of Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions (CELRA) on September 3, 2026. During the audience, the Pope sent greetings to the priests, consecrated persons, and faithful within the conference's pastoral communities.

The Pope noted that the conference serves churches operating in areas often defined by political, social, and religious tensions. He highlighted the history of martyrdom within these regions, specifically mentioning Sister Leonella Sgorbati of the Consolata Missionaries and the Missionaries of Charity killed in Yemen. He also recognized various priests, religious men and women, and laypeople who died in Iraq, Syria, and other violent areas.

Pope Leo XIV encouraged the bishops to remain close to their people as communities face increasing vulnerability and families are forced to emigrate. He urged the pastors to share in the sufferings of their people and to provide support and comfort to prevent fear or resignation from taking hold.