His Holiness Pope Francis received on Oct. 29 a delegation from the Abrahamic Family House, which is part of the efforts aimed at actualizing the Document on Human Fraternity. The delegation is led by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, president of the Abrahamic Family House.
The delegation’s visit reinforces the imperative of continuing collaborative efforts to foster a culture of human fraternity, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

In a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican, the delegation made a symbolic presentation of St. Francis Church, located at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, in recognition of His Holiness’s leadership and the Catholic Church’s commitment to enhancing advancing interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence worldwide.

“The Abrahamic Family House embodies the UAE’s enduring principles of mutual respect, interfaith understanding, and harmony, values which are integral to the Document on Human Fraternity’s powerful call to action,” said Al Mubarak. “Our ongoing partnership with the Holy See signifies a profound commitment to His Holiness in nurturing a global community anchored in human fraternity and peaceful coexistence.”

The Abrahamic Family House reflects the principles outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019, which calls for peace among all people in the world and the creation of a culture of dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration between faiths.

The UAE has maintained a close relationship with the Holy See, working together on numerous initiatives to promote peace and enhance interfaith cooperation that builds on their shared values and the UAE’s longstanding history as a place of diversity, encounter, and exchange.

Pope Francis thanked the delegation for their efforts in realizing the aspirations of the Document on Human Fraternity for Global Peace and Living Together.

Representatives from the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue that support these efforts and members of the delegation also attended the meeting.

Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, the Abrahamic Family House is a center for learning, dialogue, and the practice of faith, which encompasses three Houses of Worship—the Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, the St Francis Church, and the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue—as well as shared spaces for gathering and dialogue.

St. Francis Church is named in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century Italian friar known for his dedication to peace, humility, and compassion.

Since opening in 2023, St. Francis Church has welcomed 130,000 worshippers for services and prayers. It has hosted more than 100 events, including marking important moments in the Christian liturgical calendar and celebratory occasions, such as weddings and baptisms. In addition, the Church has hosted an ongoing program of community lectures, workshops, and performances, such as concerts by the world-renowned Little Singers of Paris and the Sistine Chapel Choir.

On Oct. 20, His Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and co-signatory to the Document on Human Fraternity, also received a delegation from the Abrahamic Family House.