On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, arrived today in Rome to attend the inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV as head of the Catholic Church.

Sheikh Saud was accompanied by Sheikh Khalid bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of the Investment and Development Office in Ras Al Khaimah.

The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV follows the passing of Pope Francis, whose tenure was marked by significant efforts to advance interfaith and human dialogue. Pope Francis was one of the signatories of the Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in February 2019. This landmark declaration was later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day of Human Fraternity.

The inauguration ceremony will take place at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, attended by numerous heads of state, global leaders and dignitaries, following the Catholic Church’s long-standing tradition.