Pinoys in UAE recall encounter with humble Pope Francis

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – The Filipino Catholic community across the United Arab Emirates is mourning the death of Pope Francis, whose passing was announced on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.

One of the largest and most vibrant segments of the Church in the UAE, the news has brought back memories of Pope, whom many remember as a humble and compassionate leader.

Pope Francis is revered for his simplicity, compassion for the marginalized, and his deep connection with the faithful.

Humble Pope Francis

Karen Manalili, a purchase officer based in Abu Dhabi City, told GMA Integrated News said the late Pope Francis was more than a religious leader for her as he described him as a global symbol of hope and inclusiveness.

Manalili said the late pontiff will be missed because of his kind, humble leadership.

“He was more than a religious leader; he was a global symbol of hope and inclusiveness. I believe Pope Francis’s greatest legacy lies in how he brought the Church closer to the people. He’ll be deeply missed, but his teachings and example will continue to inspire generations to come,” Manalili said.

In 2019, Manalili shared her unique experience meeting the pope during his visit in the capital where she had the opportunity to attend the mass.

She said that Pope Francis taught her that faith isn’t about tradition or ritual but it’s all about compassion, action and humility. She further added that Pope Francis always emphasized on mercy over prejudice which helped her grow into a more understanding and forgiving person.

“Seeing Pope Francis in person was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I had the chance to attend a public Mass here in Abu Dhabi UAE a few years ago. I went there, hoping to deepen my faith and be in the presence of someone who had inspired so many through his humility and compassion,” Manalili said.

“The moment he appeared — smiling, waving to the crowds — there was an overwhelming sense of peace and unity in the air. He had this unique ability to connect with people, even from afar. Listening to his words about mercy, love, and caring for the poor left a lasting impression on me,” she added.

Nestor Verano, who hails from Masbate, said in a separate interview that he felt sad upon hearing the late pontiff had died.

Remembering seeing Pope Francis in January 16, 2015 when he visited the Philippines, Verano, a civil engineer, said he joined the parade just to take a glimpse of the Catholic leader.

Verano said Pope Francis’ presence was so comforting and his death left behind a legacy of love, kindness and open arms.

“I was one of the many Filipinos who came out to join the parade. It felt surreal seeing him — that moment was the closest I’ve ever been to someone like him. Just being near him, you could really feel the habag at malasakit — the mercy and compassion that defined his visit," he said.

“His presence was so comforting, like you were seen and accepted no matter who you were or what you’ve been through. That’s what made him so special. It breaks my heart knowing he’s gone, but at the same time, there’s peace in knowing he’s now with the Lord,” he added.

Suzette Nellas, a former Dubai resident and who is a PhD student in Missiology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Italy since 2019, told GMA Integrated News that she met Pope Francis twice in Rome.

Nellas said the first time she met the Pope was during the Migrant’s Sunday Celebration in Rome while the second encounter was an up-close meeting during the Private Audience of the Divine World Missionaries on its 19 th General Chapter.

She said the Pope was very humble and warm that she never felt nervous when it was her time to greet him.

“Attending the audience and while waiting for my turn, I was busy thinking what to say, how to introduce myself. But when I got there, I was drawn by his very person. It was very magnetic,” Nellas told GMA Integrated News.

“It was powerful reminder that encounters with people from different cultures or religions need not to be an intellectual discussion, but first and foremost, a personal engagement. Two people, created in the image and likeness of God, drawn together by love and respect, and knowing that they are brothers and sisters, this is what he made me feel,” she added.

As parishes prepare to celebrate Masses in his honor in the coming days, Filipino Catholics stand united in grief and prayer, holding tightly to the legacy of a pope who touched lives around the globe — including the hearts of the faithful in the sands of the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Billy Azarcon, an active member of the Catholic Church in Abu Dhabi and Auxiliary Legion of Mary, told GMA Integrated News that he felt sad upon hearing the death of the pontiff.

Azarcon said he knew of the pope’s death when he received the obituary shared to him by Fr. Michael Fernandes in their group chat early this morning.

In the obituary, Pope Francis, was described as the “Spiritual Shepherd of the Catholic Church” and was a “beacon of compassion, humility, and social justice.”

Azarcon said he felt shocked but at peace knowing that the Catholic leader is already in the hands of the Lord.

“Beloved by many for his warm, pastoral heart and courageous voice, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of hope, inclusion, and unwavering faith. He shepherded the Church through times of challenge with a steady hand and a compassionate soul. The world mourns his loss and celebrates a life that truly mirrored Christ’s love” Azarcon quoted the obituary earlier shared.

Jennifer Cavada, a procurement officer, also told GMA Integrated News that she was inspired by Pope Francis in living a humble life.

Cavada said she felt deep sadness when she learned about the Pope’s demise. She said Pope Francis’s leadership is truly an inspiration because of his devotion to humanity.

“Naging inspirasyon siya samin in terms of religious faith nya and humility. Legacy nya sguro yung dedication and commitment nya sa humanity, as well as love and care to the people especially who is need. Yes, his leadership is truly an inspiration even sa mga past pope, being pope kase is not easy, especially yung pagiging dedicated and devoted nya kase sya yung nagiging role model to all the people,” Cavada said

Prayer and Remembrance

A profound sense of loss is felt within the community, which has long held a deep reverence for the Pontiff, especially following his historic visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in 2019.

In response to the sad news, the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia—which oversees the Catholic Church in the UAE, Oman, and Yemen—issued a heartfelt communique dated April 21, addressed to all its priests, religious, and the People of God.

The one-page message expressed "great sadness" over the Pope’s passing and called on the faithful to come together in prayer and remembrance.

“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. May the Lord receive Pope Francis into heavenly abode and grant him eternal peace,” Bishop Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia said.

Bishop Martinelli said that the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia will always remain grateful to Pope Francis, “whom we remember with gratitude for his visit to Abu Dhabi in 2019.”

In his Communique, Bishop Martinelli has instructed all parishes in the vicariate to offer Holy Mass in honor of the late pope and encourage parishioners to join in collective prayer during this time of mourning.

“I ask all parishes in our vicariate to offer Holy Mass for Pope Francis and invite all people of God to participate in the mass for our beloved Pope Francis in their respective parishes,” Bishop Martinelli stated.

He added, “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.” — BAP, GMA Integrated News