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Thousands gather in Dubai and Sharjah churches to pray, light candles, and honour the late pontiff’s enduring legacy
Thousands of Catholics across the United Arab Emirates gathered on Saturday evening to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, participating in special memorial Masses at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Sharjah. Devotees arrived early, offering prayers and lighting candles in a heartfelt tribute to the beloved spiritual leader.
The large crowds prompted police officers to be stationed around the churches to ensure smooth traffic flow, with volunteers assisting worshippers inside and outside the premises.
At St. Mary’s Church, longtime parishioner Josephine described the moment as deeply personal. “Pope Francis was a father to all of us. His humility touched millions of hearts. Tonight, we are not just mourning him; we are celebrating the beautiful life he lived and the light he brought into the world,” she said.
Meanwhile, at St. Michael’s Church in Sharjah, Mariam Thomas reflected on the Pope’s lasting influence. “Even though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on. It felt like losing a member of my own family,” she said, recounting how she spent the entire day following coverage of the Pope’s funeral.
Antony George, who travelled from Ajman for the service, emphasized the Pope’s role as a model of Christian virtues. “Pope Francis showed us what it meant to walk in Christ’s footsteps — with mercy, humility, and love. I feel blessed to be here today to pray for his soul and honour his journey,” George said.
Among the mourners was Rem Sagarino, who with his family attended the historic Papal Mass in Abu Dhabi in 2019. “Watching the funeral live from the Vatican, I felt how Pope Francis touched so many lives. May God lead the Church in finding his successor. Rest in peace, blessed father,” Sagarino said.
During the memorial Mass, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, urged the faithful to embrace Pope Francis’s message of mercy and unity. “Let us love one another because love comes from God. Together in unity, we form one body even if we are different,” he told the congregation.
Bishop Martinelli also highlighted the Pope’s tireless efforts in promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, and reconciliation, referencing the historic Document on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019. “Pope Francis enlightened the world to choose peace over war. He lived his mission to the fullest, always united with Jesus,” the bishop said.
Pope Francis’s deep connection to the UAE remains a cherished part of his legacy. His historic visit to Abu Dhabi, where he and Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb signed the Document on Human Fraternity, marked a milestone in promoting global peace and mutual respect among different faiths — a vision that continues to resonate strongly with the Catholic community in the UAE.
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