ABU DHABI, 24th April, 2025 (WAM) - St. Francis of Assisi Church in the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi held a memorial Mass today for Pope Francis, who passed away last Monday at the age of 88.

The Mass was led by Archbishop Christophe Zakhia El-Kassis, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United Arab Emirates, with the participation of Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia. Members of the Christian community and a number of representatives from diplomatic missions in the country attended the service.

The Mass was also attended by Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, Major General Khalifa Mohammed Al Khaili, Director of the Finance and Services Sector at Abu Dhabi Police, Engineer Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Department of Community Development, and several other officials.

Archbishop El-Kassis said:'' His Holiness Pope Francis carried a message of peace to the world with humility and clarity. His faith was a living testimony, expressed through the simplicity of his life, his courage in facing challenges, and his defense of the weak.''

Abdullah Al Shehhi, Acting Executive Director of the Abrahamic Family House, stated that hosting the memorial Mass for the repose of Pope Francis at the Abrahamic Family House embodies the UAE's steadfast principles of human fraternity, love, tolerance, and peace.
He emphasised that these values reflect the noble principles established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which continue to inspire efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and understanding among different religions and cultures.

At the conclusion of the Mass, attendees expressed their gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for embracing such unifying spiritual initiatives.
They affirmed that the Abrahamic Family House has become a global symbol of spiritual convergence and a bridge that connects cultures while strengthening values of coexistence and mutual respect.