A warm and joyful encounter took place when the leaders of the UAE and the Catholic Church came together eight years ago, not only to fortify bilateral ties but also to advance their common humanitarian ideals of peace, security, stability, and tolerance. President Sheikh Mohamed, who was then the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, met with Pope Francis on September 15, 2016, in Vatican. As reported by Khaleej Times, Sheikh Mohamed gifted Pope Francis a photo book highlighting archaeological findings on Sir Bani Yas Island, including details about the significant church and ancient monastery dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries AD. This gesture highlighted the enduring ethos of religious tolerance and coexistence in the region.

Sheikh Mohamed also presented the Pope with the 'Carpet of Peace,' a creation of an initiative spearheaded by Sheikha Fatima bint Mohamed bin Zayed, aimed at empowering women in rural Afghanistan. 'We are collaborating to foster and ensure peace and stability worldwide,' Sheikh Mohamed stated, further adding, 'The UAE values the efforts of the Pope in combating intolerance and promoting dialogue.' Sheikh Mohamed also advocated for robust cooperation among all nations, as well as regional and international organizations. Pope Francis, in turn, commended the UAE's endeavors to encourage coexistence among diverse cultures. The Christian leader praised the country's humanitarian and philanthropic projects focused on education, healthcare, and sustainable development.

In the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed's visit to the Vatican was widely appreciated by both Christians and Muslims. Dr. Ahmed Al Haddad, the Grand Mufti of Dubai, expressed to Khaleej Times, 'Sheikh Mohamed's visit to Vatican opened avenues for cultural and civilizational exchange, which is crucial for humanity.' Fr. Chito Bartolo, a Filipino priest from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai, added, 'It was inspiring to see the leaders of the Catholic Church and the UAE government discussing tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and global stability. Personally, I am grateful to the UAE leaders for allowing us (Christians) to freely express and practice our faith here.'

Less than three years after Sheikh Mohamed's visit, Pope Francis returned the favor with a historic visit to the UAE in February 2019. This marked the first apostolic journey to the Arabian Peninsula by the leader of the Catholic Church. During his trip, Pope Francis signed the landmark 'Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together' with the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, on February 4, 2019. The following day, on February 5, Pope Francis conducted a mass at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Authorities estimated that nearly 180,000 people of various ages and nationalities from the UAE and neighboring countries attended the mass. The 40,000-seat stadium was packed, with over 100,000 more people watching the Mass on giant screens outside. Local parishes across the UAE also broadcasted the mass live. The papal Mass was a testament to peace and tolerance, with Christian worshippers being served by Muslim volunteers. It was a moment of celebration, reverence, contemplation, and cultural tolerance.