On behalf of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of the Catholic Church, succeeding the late Pope Francis. The ceremony took place at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Vatican City, Rome, and drew the presence of numerous world leaders and heads of state.
During the event, Sheikh Saud conveyed the greetings of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pope Leo XIV, congratulating him on the significant trust bestowed upon him by the College of Cardinals in electing him as the head of the Catholic Church. He expressed wishes for the Pope’s success in promoting values of peace, coexistence, and fostering human dialogue and understanding among peoples and religions.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi highlighted the UAE’s commitment to advancing its humanitarian mission and collaborating with Pope Leo XIV to bolster the principles of peace, coexistence, and tolerance globally. He emphasized the importance of joint efforts to address humanitarian and social issues that benefit humanity as a whole.
He also remarked on the significance of promoting tolerance, peace, and dialogue among various religions worldwide, referencing the “Document of Human Fraternity” signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 between Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, and the late Pope Francis. This agreement marked a historic moment and a beacon of hope for interfaith dialogue and human solidarity.