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."
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Results
ATP Dubai Championships on Monday (x indicates seed):
First round
Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5)
Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS x4) 6-4, 6-1
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x7) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Semi-final fixtures
Portugal v Chile, 7pm, today
Germany v Mexico, 7pm, tomorrow
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
Essentials
The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Windhoek, with a combination of Emirates and Air Namibia, cost from US$790 (Dh2,902) via Johannesburg.
The trip
A 10-day self-drive in Namibia staying at a combination of the safari camps mentioned – Okonjima AfriCat, Little Kulala, Desert Rhino/Damaraland, Ongava – costs from $7,000 (Dh25,711) per person, including car hire (Toyota 4x4 or similar), but excluding international flights, with The Luxury Safari Company.
When to go
The cooler winter months, from June to September, are best, especially for game viewing.
Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier, in Bangkok
UAE fixtures Mon Nov 20, v China; Tue Nov 21, v Thailand; Thu Nov 23, v Nepal; Fri Nov 24, v Hong Kong; Sun Nov 26, v Malaysia; Mon Nov 27, Final
(The winners will progress to the Global Qualifier)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness'
Director: Sam Raimi
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams
Rating: 3/5
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Student Of The Year 2
Director: Punit Malhotra
Stars: Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria, Ananya Pandey, Aditya Seal
1.5 stars
The%20specs
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Match info
Bournemouth 1 (King 45 1')
Arsenal 2 (Lerma 30' og, Aubameyang 67')
Man of the Match: Sead Kolasinac (Arsenal)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
How will Gen Alpha invest?
Mark Chahwan, co-founder and chief executive of robo-advisory firm Sarwa, forecasts that Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) will start investing in their teenage years and therefore benefit from compound interest.
“Technology and education should be the main drivers to make this happen, whether it’s investing in a few clicks or their schools/parents stepping up their personal finance education skills,” he adds.
Mr Chahwan says younger generations have a higher capacity to take on risk, but for some their appetite can be more cautious because they are investing for the first time. “Schools still do not teach personal finance and stock market investing, so a lot of the learning journey can feel daunting and intimidating,” he says.
He advises millennials to not always start with an aggressive portfolio even if they can afford to take risks. “We always advise to work your way up to your risk capacity, that way you experience volatility and get used to it. Given the higher risk capacity for the younger generations, stocks are a favourite,” says Mr Chahwan.
Highlighting the role technology has played in encouraging millennials and Gen Z to invest, he says: “They were often excluded, but with lower account minimums ... a customer with $1,000 [Dh3,672] in their account has their money working for them just as hard as the portfolio of a high get-worth individual.”
Indoor Cricket World Cup
Venue Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE squad Saqib Nazir (captain), Aaqib Malik, Fahad Al Hashmi, Isuru Umesh, Nadir Hussain, Sachin Talwar, Nashwan Nasir, Prashath Kumara, Ramveer Rai, Sameer Nayyak, Umar Shah, Vikrant Shetty
