History was made on Sunday when the wheels of Pope Francis’s flight from Rome touched down in Abu Dhabi. He visited the Presidential Palace, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and spoke at an interfaith meeting at the Founder’s Memorial.
From signing the Human Fraternity Document to his historic visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, there are plenty of memories to look back on.
Pope Francis has spoken out against the rampant materialism afflicting the world and urged people to live simpler lives, John Dennehy writes.
The pontiff also paid tribute to the hundreds of thousands of Catholics living in the UAE — most of whom live far away from their family and friends.
Francis called for more understanding between the world’s religions and for people to promote peace starting in their own communities.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said that the Papal visit was a “landmark in the development of human relations and dialogue between different cultures,” as both religious leaders depart.
Sheikh Mohamed said goodbye to Dr Ahmad Al Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif, tweeting his praise for his “sincere efforts in supporting dialogue, tolerance and coexistence among different religions.”
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi also tweeted his farewell to Pope Francis, “praising his role in establishing the foundations of peace, fraternity and humanitarian dialogue.”
It is customary for the Pontiff to send telegrams to Heads of State of the countries over which the papal plane will be flying over as travels. In a message to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Pope Francis said, “As I depart from the United Arab Emirates, I renew my deep appreciation to Your Highness, the government and the people of the UAE for your warm welcome and generous hospitality. I assure you of my prayers and invoke upon all of you abundant divine blessings.”
