President Sheikh Mohamed pays tribute after death of Pope Francis

Vatican confirms the pontiff died on Monday at the age of 88

Pope Francis greets the public during his historic Mass at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi on February 5, 2019. Getty Images

World leaders send condolences after Pope's death

President Sheikh Mohamed on Monday paid tribute after the death of Pope Francis, hailing his efforts to champion peace and harmony around the world.

The UAE leader offered his "deepest condolences" to Catholics following the pontiff's death at the age of 88.

Pope Francis made a historic three-day visit to the UAE in February 2019, during which he led a public Mass for thousands of worshippers. The landmark tour – the first made to the region by a serving pontiff – sought to promote interfaith dialogue and deepen understanding between the world's religions.

"I extend my deepest condolences to Catholics around the world on the passing of Pope Francis, who dedicated his life to promoting the principles of peaceful coexistence and understanding. May he rest in peace," Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.

President Sheikh Mohamed and Pope Francis exchange gifts at the Vatican. AP

Pope Francis and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, during a welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Getty Images

Pope Francis arrives to celebrate Mass at Zayed Sport City on February 5, 2019 in Abu Dhabi. Getty images

Pope Francis, surrounded by shells of destroyed churches, leads a prayer for the victims of war at Hosh Al Bieaa Church Square, in Mosul, Iraq, March 7, 2021. AP

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi with Pope Francis during a welcome ceremony at Baghdad International Airport, in Baghdad, Iraq March 5, 2021. Reuters

Pope Francis reacts during a meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in the Sakhir Palace during his apostolic journey, south of Manama, Bahrain, November 3, 2022. Reuters

Pope Francis prays by the Western Wall on May 26, 2014 in Jerusalem, Israel. Getty Images

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, praised Pope Francis's immense contribution on the global stage.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis," Sheikh Mohammed said. "A great leader whose compassion and commitment to peace touched countless lives. His legacy of humility and interfaith unity will continue to inspire many communities around the world."

Bishop calls for prayers

Bishop Paolo Martinelli, the Apostolic Vicar for Southern Arabia, asked all parishes to hold services to offer prayers for eternal peace for the Pope.

Bishop Martinelli said the faithful would “always remain grateful for his great service to the church, especially all the people in the UAE [who] are greatly saddened by the death of Pope Francis, whom we remember with gratitude for his visit to Abu Dhabi in 2019”.

“Let us stand and unite in prayer as the See of St Peter is now vacant. I sincerely extend my condolences to all people of God.”

The Vatican said Pope Francis, the first Latin American head of the Roman Church, died at 7.35am [5.35am GMT] on Easter Monday.

He had appeared on Sunday at St Peter's Square in Vatican City to wish “Happy Easter” to thousands of worshippers. Pope Francis went to the balcony in a wheelchair and waved to the overjoyed crowds below.

He had been released from hospital late last month after treatment for pneumonia in both his lungs.

World leaders pay homage

French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first world leaders to pay tribute to Pope Francis.

"From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest," Mr Macron wrote on X, sharing a picture of himself in conversation with the late pontiff.

"May it unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continually revive beyond him. My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and to the grieving world."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartfelt message in which he said Pope Francis was a "beacon of compassion".

"In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community," Mr Modi said. "Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world.

"He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope. I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development.

"His affection for the people of India will always be cherished."

The UK's King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who had a private audience with the pope earlier this month, said while they were “deeply saddened” by his passing.

“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others,” King Charles said in a statement.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the pope was courageous in his leadership “in a complex and challenging time for the world” and “yet always came from a place of deep humility”.

“Pope Francis was a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten,” he added in a statement. “He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a better world.”

The Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr Ahmed El Tayeb, described the pontiff as a "high-caliber humanitarian symbol" who dedicated his life to serving humanity, supporting the vulnerable, and fostering dialogue between religions and cultures.

The Pope and Dr El Tayeb together signed the Document on Human Fraternity as part of the milestone Abu Dhabi visit in 2019, which served as a call to action for world peace and unity between between people of all faiths.

Judge Mohamed Abdel Salam, Secretary General of the Muslim Council Elders, also expressed condolences on behalf of the humanitarian organisation.

"With the passing of Pope Francis, humanity has lost an inspiring religious leader and a moral icon who left a lasting legacy in championing the values of love, tolerance, and human fraternity," he said.

"Pope Francis devoted his life to spreading the values of compassion, justice, and peace, and to ending wars and conflicts."

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid said with the Pope’s death “the entire world loses a unique religious and humanitarian figure, one who, throughout his life, rendered invaluable services to the causes of peace, poverty and religious tolerance”.

He added in a statement that the pontiff had “left an unforgettable mark in his adherence to humane positions that rejected wars and violence, and called for peace and coexistence among all peoples”.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke of her hope that the Pope's legacy would lead to a more "peaceful and compassionate" world.

"Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis," she said. "He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.

"My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all towards a more just, peaceful and compassionate world."