THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELECTION OF POPE LEO XIV

POPE'S DAY 2026

On the occasion of the Pope's Day, the Apostolic Nunciature in Kuwait solemnly celebrated the first anniversary of the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The commemorations were organised into two main events, involving both the diplomatic community and the local Catholic faithful.

On 6 May, an official reception was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Farwaniya, attended by the Diplomatic Corps and distinguished members of Kuwaiti civil society. The event was graced by the presence of HE Ambassador Sadiq MS Marafi, Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between the State of Kuwait and the Holy See.

Subsequently, on the morning of 8 May, the celebrations moved to the Holy Family Co-Cathedral, in Kuwait City. The Apostolic Nuncio, His Grace Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, presided over a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, concelebrated by the Local Clergy. At the Mass, there was a large attendance of Religious Sisters and Laity, who gathered in prayer to support the Holy Father's ministry during this first year of his pontificate.

Speaking of the Holy Father's first year as Supreme Pontiff, Archbishop Eugene M. Nugent highlighted the following points: 

 "In a world often marked by division and conflict, his message has been that dialogue is not a sign of weakness, but of strength... Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the fruit of justice, respect, and mutual understanding".

"Faith, when lived authentically, brings people together rather than dividing them... Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly appealed for an immediate ceasefire, for restraint, and above all for a return to sincere and respectful negotiations."

"Kuwait is a living example of this spirit of coexistence, where people of different faiths can live and work together in mutual respect… We pray that this beloved country may continue to be a beacon of coexistence in the region".