Bishop’s Empty Rosary: Naturalism Over Christ’s Kingship

The ACI MENA news service reports that Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (serving the UAE, Oman, and Yemen), issued a pastoral message on February 28, 2026, amid escalating conflict between Iran and U.S./Israeli forces. The bishop urged Catholics to “remain calm and serene,” “carefully follow” civil authorities, and pray the daily rosary for peace and reconciliation, including special intentions at Masses across the vicariate. The statement makes no reference to the Social Reign of Christ the King, the duty of states to recognize the Catholic Church, or the need for the conversion of Muslim-majority nations. Instead, it promotes a generic, naturalistic spirituality detached from Catholic doctrine, perfectly embodying the post-conciliar church’s abandonment of its supernatural mission.