Abu Dhabi: 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.

According to Emirates News Agency, 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 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 remarked that Pope Francis carried a message of peace to the world with humility and clarity. He highlighted the Pope’s faith as 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, noted that hosting the memorial Mass at the Abrahamic Family House embodies the UAE’s principles of human fraternity, love, tolerance, and peace. He emphasized that these values reflect principles established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which continue to inspire 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 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.