All Catholic masses in Dubai have been suspended following escalating tensions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, church authorities confirmed on Friday, just days before Easter celebrations.
In a statement posted on its website, St Francis of Assisi Church announced the immediate cancellation of all masses in compliance with government directives. The church, located in the Jebel Ali area, urged parishioners to avoid visiting its premises for safety reasons.
Similarly, St Mary’s Catholic Church confirmed that services, including Good Friday mass, would be conducted online via its YouTube channel.
The decision follows heightened security concerns after missile and drone attacks reportedly linked to Iran struck parts of the Gulf region, including areas near Jebel Ali, in retaliation for an Israeli-US offensive launched on February 28.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XVI held separate telephone discussions with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, focusing on the ongoing conflicts and the urgent need for peace.
According to the Vatican, the pope and Herzog emphasized reopening diplomatic channels to end the Middle East conflict and achieve a just and lasting peace. They also highlighted the importance of protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian law, while addressing concerns over the safety of Christian communities in Lebanon and surrounding areas.
In his conversation with Zelensky, the pope extended Easter greetings and discussed the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine, stressing the need for increased aid and renewed efforts toward prisoner exchanges.
The calls coincided with major religious observances, including the Christian Holy Week, the Jewish Passover, and preparations for Orthodox Easter in Ukraine.
The Vatican reiterated hopes that sustained international cooperation would lead to an end to hostilities in both regions. Pope Leo XVI has repeatedly described peace in Ukraine as an “urgent necessity” and recently urged global leaders to return to dialogue over the escalating Middle East crisis.
