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May 6, 2025On Monday, May 5, 2025, the monthly pastoral meeting for the UAE took place at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Ras Al Khaimah.
All the priests and some religious from across the country gathered for a day of fraternal sharing, including a communal lunch, under the leadership of Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia. On the sidelines of the meeting, the bishop blessed a statue of Blessed Carlo Acutis as part of the ongoing Jubilee Year.
In his opening address, Bishop Paolo reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis, especially within the Vicariate. He invited all the Catholic faithful to pray for the election of the new Pope, while also encouraging them to keep alive the memory of the late Pope Francis.
The Holy Father's historic pastoral visit to the UAE in 2019 left an indelible mark on the faithful, who mourned his passing with deep emotion. The signing of the Document on Human Fraternity during that visit was a landmark moment in interreligious dialogue with UAE society and Islamic representatives. One of the enduring fruits of that milestone is the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi.
Bishop Paolo also highlighted “some aspects of Pope Francis’ witness that strongly challenge us in our pastoral responsibility”: his unwavering dedication to the mission entrusted to him by the Lord, carried out to his last breath - “sparing no effort to communicate to all the joy of the Gospel, the mercy of God, and the closenes
During the memorial Mass celebrated there, all the embassies sent representatives, and even members of the UAE government were present. Notably, the Crown Prince and the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence attended Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome.
s and tenderness of Christ."
He also emphasized the Pope’s pastoral charity, marked by “attention to the faithful in their concrete situations,” which reflects “the same welcome we are called to offer to those who come to our churches.” Finally, he spoke of the “polyphony of faith”: “What often seems to us a difficulty—the presence of different cultures, languages, traditions, and rites—is in fact our richness. This is our responsibility toward the whole Church.”
The meeting also included announcements regarding new appointments and upcoming departures, as well as a calendar of events scheduled for May. Bishop Paolo particularly encouraged participation in the International Ecumenical Congress to be held on May 16 at St. Francis Church (Abrahamic Family House).
Discussions also revisited topics from previous meetings. Attendees shared best practices, raised questions, and addressed challenges in implementing various directives, including the promotion of the Liturgy of the Hours and vocations.
Other items on the agenda included updates on the Synodal process, Jubilee initiatives, charitable activities, and matters related to liturgy and canon law. The next meeting is scheduled for June 11.