Thousands of Dubai residents paid tribute to Pope Francis at a special memorial mass held at St. Mary’s Church on Saturday evening.
The mass began at 7:30 pm, just hours after the pontiff was laid to rest in Rome.
His Vatican funeral drew hundreds of thousands of mourners and world leaders. These leaders included US President Donald Trump and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Decorated photos of the Pope were displayed inside and outside the church.
Several large screens were set up for those unable to enter. This allowed them to watch the ceremony from the church grounds.
A massive portrait of the Pope, accompanied by the message “With deep sorrow and heartfelt prayers,” greeted worshippers at the entrance.
The altar used for the special requiem mass held special significance.
It was the same altar where Pope Francis had celebrated Mass during his historic visit to Abu Dhabi in 2019.
People of all ages and backgrounds gathered in solemn remembrance of the late pontiff.
He was remembered as “the shepherd who led with humility, spoke with courage, and loved without measure.”
