Thousands Celebrate Easter in UAE With Prayers for Peace

The spirit of Easter 2025 came alive across the UAE as tens of thousands of Catholics gathered in churches from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, blending tradition, prayer, and unity.

This year’s Easter Sunday services weren’t just about celebrating resurrection—they were filled with heartfelt prayers for global peace and the recovery of Pope Francis, who’s still on the mend after a health scare.

Starting as early as 4 a.m., major churches like St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai were flooded with worshippers. Services were held in multiple languages to reflect the diverse Catholic population in the Emirates, with Dubai's RTA even rolling out free bus rides from Energy Metro Station to help get people to church.

In his Easter message, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, didn’t hold back:

“If we stop to note only the wars and divisions we do not do a good service to humanity… We all need God, we need his mercy.”

His message was clear—Easter is about hope, even in a world shadowed by conflict. He urged prayers for reconciliation, protection of children, and peace in every corner of the globe.

But that wasn’t all.

Bishop Martinelli also spotlighted Pope Francis, who is currently recovering from pneumonia. Though he missed most of Holy Week’s events, the 88-year-old pontiff made a powerful appearance at St. Peter’s Square, smiling and waving from his wheelchair as thousands cheered below.

His Urbi et Orbi message, read by a clergy member, didn’t shy away from hard truths—it addressed anti-Semitism, called out the crisis in Gaza, and pushed for peaceful resolutions in Yemen and Ukraine. He also sent love to Christian communities in the Middle East, including those in the UAE.

“Pope Francis loves the UAE very much. His visit in 2019 is unforgettable, not only for us Catholics,” said Bishop Martinelli.

The UAE is home to around one million Catholics, and Easter services across the country proved just how vibrant and unified that community is. Bishop Martinelli closed his message with thanks to the UAE’s leadership for fostering a culture of coexistence.

“We want to be promoters of peace and peaceful coexistence between people of different cultures and religions.”

The takeaway? This Easter wasn’t just about tradition—it was a shoutout to unity, compassion, and the hope for a better world. Whether you were in the pews or catching the Pope’s wave on social media, one thing’s clear: the message of Easter 2025 landed loud and clear in the UAE.