Bishop Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, has instructed all Catholic parishes in the UAE, Oman, and Yemen to offer Holy Mass in honor of Pope Francis, following the Pope’s passing on Monday, a day after Easter.
In a statement shared on the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia’s official Facebook page, Bishop Paolo wrote, “With great sadness, I communicate to the priests, religious and the people of God in the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia that our beloved Holy Father Pope Francis has returned to the house of God this morning at 7:35 am Rome time.”
He added, “May the Lord receive Pope Francis into heavenly abode and grant him eternal peace. The People of God in the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia will always remain grateful for his great service to the Church, especially all the people in the UAE are greatly saddened by the death of Pope Francis, whom we remember with gratitude for his visit to Abu Dhabi in 2019.”
Father Lennie J.A. Connully (OFM Cap), Rector of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai, confirmed that his church is expected to hold a special Mass in honor of the late pontiff. “Church leaders are expected to announce the date and time of the Mass soon,” said Father Lennie.
Details regarding the timing and location of the special Mass are yet to be finalised.
