Msgr. Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, attended the meeting of the Conference of the Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions (CELRA) in Rome from August 26 to 28. During their meeting with Pope Francis, the Holy Father expressed his closeness to all CELRA bishops and their flock especially in this time of great tension and suffering, inviting them to "keep the hope alive, to be [them]selves, for everyone, signs of hope, a presence that nurtures words and gestures of peace, brotherhood, and respect."