Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, represented the UAE at the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome on April 26, 2025. He attended on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, accompanied by notable figures including Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Crown Prince’s Office; and Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
The solemn funeral procession commenced at Saint Peter's Square, leading to a burial ceremony held at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. This significant event was attended by heads of state, world leaders, and dignitaries from across the globe, all gathered to pay their respects to the late pontiff.
During the service, Sheikh Khaled conveyed the condolences of the UAE President to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, and to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. He expressed heartfelt sympathies to the College of Cardinals, the Holy See, and the global Catholic community on the passing of Pope Francis.
Sheikh Khaled honored Pope Francis as a beacon of human fraternity, cultural coexistence, and interfaith dialogue. He underscored that the late pontiff’s humanitarian legacy would continue to inspire future generations to uphold the values of tolerance and mutual understanding.
Pope Francis was renowned for his enduring commitment to promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue. His historic visit to the United Arab Emirates marked the first by a pontiff to the region, culminating in the signing of the Human Fraternity Document alongside His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Professor Ahmed Al Tayeb, in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019.
This landmark document has since served as a global charter for peace and coexistence. The United Nations General Assembly later adopted it, designating February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity, a testament to the impact of Pope Francis's efforts in fostering dialogue and understanding among different cultures and religions.
As world leaders gathered to honor Pope Francis, Sheikh Khaled's presence symbolized the UAE's commitment to promoting tolerance and coexistence, reflecting the values that the late pontiff championed throughout his papacy. The Crown Prince's tribute highlighted the importance of continued efforts in building bridges between communities and fostering peace in a world often divided by differences.
In his remarks, Sheikh Khaled stated, "Pope Francis was not just a religious leader; he was a symbol of hope and unity for people around the world. His legacy will guide us in our efforts to promote understanding and respect among all cultures and religions." His words resonated with many attendees, emphasizing the shared responsibility to uphold the principles of fraternity and coexistence that Pope Francis lived by.
The funeral of Pope Francis not only marked the end of an era for the Catholic Church but also served as a reminder of the ongoing need for dialogue and collaboration among diverse communities. As the world reflects on the late pontiff's contributions, the call for unity and peace remains more relevant than ever.
As the UAE continues to champion tolerance and coexistence, the legacy of Pope Francis will undoubtedly influence future initiatives aimed at fostering mutual respect and understanding among people of all faiths and backgrounds. The Crown Prince's attendance at the funeral is a significant step in furthering these ideals, reinforcing the UAE's role as a leader in promoting harmony in an increasingly complex world.
