Cardinal Pietro Parolin Explores Kuwait's Islamic Heritage at the Amricani Cultural Centre.
In a deeply meaningful moment during his historic visit to Kuwait, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State and one of the Catholic Church’s most senior officials, toured the Amricani Cultural Centre — House of Islamic Antiquities (Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah), located on the iconic Arabian Gulf Road in Kuwait City.
During the visit, Cardinal Parolin was received by Sheikha Hussah Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the distinguished co-founder and patron of the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah collection. In a warm gesture of friendship and cultural exchange, a commemorative gift was presented, symbolizing the goodwill and mutual respect shared between the two traditions.
The Centre itself carries a remarkable history. Originally built between 1911 and 1913 by the Dutch Reformed Church of America as Kuwait’s very first hospital — fondly known by locals as “Mustashfaa Amricani” — the compound served the Kuwaiti community for decades before being lovingly transformed into a world-class cultural and heritage centre. Today, it houses one of the world’s most prestigious Islamic art collections, with over 20,000 rare artifacts including ancient manuscripts, pottery, carpets, and carvings spanning centuries of Islamic civilization, built from the private collection of Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and Sheikha Hussah.
Cardinal Parolin’s thoughtful engagement with this rich treasury of Islamic history and art speaks powerfully to the Vatican’s sincere commitment to understanding, respecting, and celebrating the beauty of Muslim culture and heritage. It is a reminder that true dialogue goes far beyond words — it requires humility, curiosity, and a genuine willingness to appreciate the depth found in one another’s traditions.
As a community of faith, we are inspired and encouraged by this historic visit and what it represents — a shared hope for peace, understanding, and friendship among all people of goodwill.
“Love one another as I have loved you.” — John 13:34
