Newly elected Pope Leo XIV has been warmly welcomed in the UAE, with Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, offering a message of congratulations.
Bishop Martinelli called on all Catholics in the region to join a special Mass on Saturday and pray for goodwill towards the new pontiff, who succeeds Pope Francis, who died in April aged 88.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope on Thursday, becoming the first American to assume the role as head of the Roman Catholic Church.
On Thursday, shortly after white smoke rose from a chimney on the Sistine Chapel, signalling the end of the conclave to appoint a successor to Pope Francis, the bells of St Peter’s Basilica rang out.
After the Vatican’s announcement, Bishop Martinelli called for support for the new pope as an “instrument of peace”. "It is hoped that Pope Leo’s ministry will be a sign of unity and hope for the church and for all humanity, and an instrument of peace,” Bishop Martinelli said.
“We commit ourselves to pray for our new pope and express our filial obedience to him."
The bishop invited all the faithful of the region to join in prayer for the new pontiff and said his name will once again be mentioned in the Eucharistic Prayer after 20 days.
Many have done so. One such churchgoer is Jude Fernandes who is a regular at St Mary's Catholic Church, Dubai.
"The election of Pope Leo XIV is a remarkable moment for the Catholic Church, being the first American Pope in its history," he told The National. "By choosing the name Leo, the new Pope emphasises the church’s priority on community reflecting the diversity just like the church here in the UAE. The Pope, by invoking Mary in his first message, highlights his call to build bridges, continuing in the legacy of his predecessor Pope Francis."
Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago and later served as a bishop in South America, particularly in Peru. In his first message to worshippers, he spoke of “a missionary church, a church that builds bridges and fosters dialogue, always open to welcome with open arms all those in need of our charity, our presence, our dialogue and our love".
He served as prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013. He was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 and was later appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
“We want to be a synodal church, a church that walks together, a church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to draw near especially to those who suffer,” he said before giving the solemn blessing.
In his full statement, Bishop Martinelli said the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia would join all Catholics in rejoicing in the election of the new pope, adding that worshippers in the Middle East would connect with the pontiff.
“As the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, a church of migrants, made up of faithful from many nations, languages and rites, we commit ourselves to pray for our new pope and express our filial obedience to him,” he said. “May he guide the people of God with humility and love and strengthen his brothers and sisters in the faith.”
A special Mass took place in Abu Dhabi on Friday morning at St Joseph's Cathedral to celebrate the appointment of Pope Leo XIV.
Muslim Council of Elders welcomes the new Pope
The appointment of the new pope was also welcomed by the Muslim Council of Elders.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to his holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as head of the Catholic Church," said Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary General of the council.
"We are confident in continuing the journey of dialogue and fraternity with his holiness in pursuit of peace, and in working together to promote the values of love, understanding and mutual acquaintance – for a better world and a future in which all enjoy security, peace and stability.”
Hopes for the future
Dubai resident Cherylann D’Abreo, from India, expressed her hope after the election of the new pope, emphasising the importance of fostering peace and offering compassion to the less fortunate.
“My personal hope is that he brings more peace and connects with the poor and needy,” Ms D’Abreo said.
The pontiff can also help to inspire others by leading with humility, she added. “If he leads by example, this will encourage us all to look at him and try to follow his humbleness,” she said.
Pope Francis was acclaimed for championing those in need, including refugees and the people of Gaza, during his papacy. Sherif Louis, an architect from Egypt who lived in the UAE with his wife from 2011 to 2019, fondly recalled the former pontiff's visit to the country.
Mr Louis, who alongside his wife attended St Anthony of Padua Church in Ras Al Khaimah, described that occasion as "a moment of great pride and spiritual enrichment".
“Pope Francis was truly a man of peace and love for all humanity,” he said. “He had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life, demonstrating the essence of humility and compassion.”
Mr Sherif expressed his hopes for the future under Pope Leo XVI. “We pray that the new pope will follow in Francis’s footsteps, promoting peace, love, and understanding,” he added.
“[Pope Francis] was not just a religious leader, he was a bridge between cultures and faiths. We hope the new pope continues to embody this spirit and works for the good of the Catholic Church and the world.”
Maria George, a Jordanian citizen who works in Sharjah, expressed optimism that the new pontiff can be a champion of future generations.
"I hope the new pope becomes a powerful voice for children around the world, especially those who face marginalisation or neglect," she said.
"We cannot build a true church without justice and honesty in dealing with children and those who serve them."
