Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, along with Sheikh Khalid bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, represented the UAE at the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on Sunday. The UAE delegation attended the ceremony on behalf of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Pope Leo XIV, who recently became the first American pontiff of the Catholic Church, delivered a strong message of unity and social justice, urging the world to turn away from exploiting nature and marginalizing the poor. Addressing tens of thousands of pilgrims and global dignitaries, including US Vice President JD Vance and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, the new pope called for the Church to be a beacon of transformation in a divided world.
“We still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest,” Pope Leo XIV said during his homily.
Sheikh Saud and Sheikh Khalid’s participation in the event reflects the UAE’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic relations and promoting interfaith dialogue. Just last month, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed also represented the UAE at the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome.
Pope Leo XIV, known for his background as a missionary in Peru, emphasized the Church’s role in fostering peace and social cohesion, calling for open-heartedness and acceptance of diverse cultures and traditions.
“As a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, I come to you with fear and trembling,” he told the crowd, expressing humility in his new role.
