A memorial service will take place at the Church of St. Francis within the Abrahamic Family House on Sa’adiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday, April 24, in honor of Pope Francis, as announced by the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (Avosa) on Tuesday.
The ceremony is scheduled for 7 PM and will be led by Archbishop Christophe El-Kassis, the Apostolic Nuncio to the UAE, alongside Bishop Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap., the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, who will also participate.
“In addition to our congregation, we anticipate the presence of representatives from various diplomatic missions,” Avosa mentioned in its announcement, encouraging collective prayers for the eternal peace of Pope Francis, who was cherished by many.
Keep informed with current events. Join us on WhatsApp Channels.
Archbishop El-Kassis, a Lebanese Catholic bishop and diplomat, represents the Vatican in the UAE. He was appointed to this role by Pope Francis on January 2, 2023.
Pope and Migration
On Monday, Bishop Martinelli called upon Catholic congregations across the UAE to hold a Holy Mass for the deceased Pope Francis. He also encouraged church leaders to “invite all members of the community to join the service for our beloved Pope Francis in their local parishes”.
During his homily at the mass on Monday in St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Bishop Martinelli remarked that the late pontiff was a fervent advocate for migrants, emphasizing his dedication to the rejuvenation of the Church.
“Pope Francis held a special significance for us—his empathy towards migrants was palpable. He championed their rights. As a Church that serves migrants, we have felt his closeness and love for us,” stated Bishop Martinelli.
“His visit to Abu Dhabi in February 2019 remains etched in our memories. We fondly recall his presence at our Cathedral of Saint Joseph. His compassion and the way he engaged with so many of you here were unforgettable,” he continued.
Bishop Martinelli highlighted: “Pope Francis’s visit will also be remembered for the historic signing of the document on Human Fraternity, fostering dialogue among different faiths to cultivate peace and create a more brotherly world.”
“Pope Francis co-signed this vital document with the Grand Imam of Al Azhar. We too are dedicated to advancing the conversation and fostering peace and reconciliation among peoples,” he added.
He also reflected on the Pope’s homily during the papal mass at Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, where Pope Francis addressed the audience, saying: “You form a choir of diverse nations, languages, and rites; a variety cherished by the Holy Spirit, which seeks to harmonize them into a symphony.”
Angel Tesorero
Angel Tesorero is the Assistant Editor and brings humor to the newsroom, yet is seriously devoted to his work …More