When Pope Francis visited UAE in 2019, he came as 'a brother'
For almost a decade, Pope Francis and the UAE maintained a relationship that was cordial, fruitful and enduring.
On the 5th of February, 2019, Pope Francis celebrated the first Papal Mass on the Arabian peninsula, and it was simultaneously a moment of joy and celebration, veneration and deep contemplation. The Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi was filled with the chanting of ‘Viva El Papa!’, showcasing the deep love and devotion people held for their spiritual leader, the Pope, who presides over a staggering 1 billion Catholics globally.
The authorities estimated that for the papal mass, people of all nationalities watched the mass live from other locations as approximately 180,000 individuals from the UAE and neighboring countries attended. His Popemobile, which was flown from the Vatican, served as a sight seeing vehicle for the pontiff's three day visit to the UAE. It is estimated that around 40,000 people attended the mass physically while close to 500,000 people watched on live streams. With 40,000 attendees and 100,000 watching from outside the stadium, it reached full capacity, inspiring thousands of people to become volunteers.
The mass served other purposes than to unite the Christians; the purpose of the mass was to display what peace should look like as well as tolerance. Alongside with Christian expats who were super attentive, Muslim attendees aided the event mercilessly. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State for Tolerance and Coexistence, was present among the volunteers observing the event.”
Priest of St Mary's Catholic church Father Chito Bartolo expressed his appreciation stating,
“It was remarkable to see the leaders of the Catholic church alongside the government of the UAE discuss such things as tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and stability in the world. On a personal note, I want to deeply appreciate the leaders of UAE for granting us (Christians) the opportunity to reside and exercise our religion where there is freedom of worship in the UAE.''
Pope Francis, on his end, “lauded the efforts of the UAE in regard to fostering coexistence of different cultures”. His Holiness further highlighted the UAE’s efforts on the education, healthcare, and sustainable development philanthropy.
Sheikh Mohamed gifted the Pope the Carpet of Peace, crafted through Sheikha Fatima bint Mohamed bin Zayed's initiative that aims to empower Afghan rural women.
“We are working together promoting and enabling peace and stability to prevail throughout the world," Sheikh Mohammed was quoted saying. “The UAE appreciates the efforts being made by the Pope to combat“ the world intolerance and promote dialogue.”
“The visit by Sheikh Mohamed to the Vatican opened the channel for culture and civilization exchange that is important for humanity,” Dr. Ahmed Al Haddad, the Grand Mufti of Dubai, has been previously cited.
Apostolic journey to the Arabian Peninsula
In February 2019, the Pope made a historical visit to the UAE. It was the first apostolic journey to the Arabian Peninsula by the leader of the Catholic Church. During this trip, Pope Francis signed a landmark contract of “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together" with the Grand A imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad Al-Tayyeb of Egypt on February 4 2019.
Before making the trip, the late pope stated: “I am going to that country as a brother so that together we may compose a dialogue and walk on the roads of peace. Remember me in your prayers!”
He was also scheduled to go back to UAE for the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) that took place in Dubai in December, but his doctors advised him to cancel his trip because he was recovering from the flu and lung inflammation.
Pope Francis, as he is popularly known, underwent a right lung lobectomy when he was 21 due to near-fatal pleuritis. The recently deceased 88 year old Catholic Pope was later admitted for bronchitis and pneumonia on Feb 14 this year. He passed away on 21st April one day after Easter. The first pope from Latin America, he held the position for 12 years.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed penned a moving message in memory of Pope Francis, who died on Monday, noting how the pontiff ‘dedicated his life to promoting the principles of peaceful coexistence and understanding. May he rest in peace.’
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