UAE leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has paid tribute to Pope Francis, remembering him as "a global symbol of tolerance, love (and) human solidarity".

"He worked with the UAE for years to promote these values for the benefit of humanity," Sheikh Mohamed highlighted in his message, adding how he "rejected war". 

Sheikh Mohamed also expressed his heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to Catholics around the world on his passing.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday. He was 88. 

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, also paid tribute to the head of the Roman Catholic Church on social media. 

Expressing "deep sadness" at his death, Sheikh Mohammed described Pope Francis as "a great leader whose compassion and commitment to peace touched countless lives".

"His legacy of humility and interfaith unity will continue to inspire many communities around the world," Sheikh Mohammed added.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis @Pontifex , a great leader whose compassion and commitment to peace touched countless lives. His legacy of humility and interfaith unity will continue to inspire many communities around the world . pic.twitter.com/5LwoJq2Hxr

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 21, 2025

Pope Francis brought the Catholic Church's dialogue with Islam to new heights in 2019 by becoming the first pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula. He hosted a public mass at the Zayed Sports City stadium for more than 120,000 worshippers in the UAE.

During his three-day state visit, Pope Francis also attended a private meeting with the Muslim Council of Elders as well as an interfaith conference with more than 700 representatives from around the world in attendance. 

Pope Francis also signed a joint document on inter-religious fraternity along with Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr. Ahmad Al Tayyeb.