Sultan visits Milan’s Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, in the presence of his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, has presented to the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan a rare historical manuscript dated Aug.14, 1624, which contains a papal decree issued by Pope Urban VIII at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

In addition, the Sharjah Ruler also presented Arabic and English versions of Sheikh Sultan’s book, Papal Bull: Pope Urban VIII Pope of the Catholic Church Dated August 14, 1624.

The gifting ceremony began with Sheikh Sultan receiving a special welcome by the university’s musical group, which performed classical pieces in Arabic, expressing their deep appreciation for the Sharjah Ruler’s contributions particularly through the Arab Cultural Institute in Milan and Sheikh Sultan’s ongoing efforts in the field of Arabic language and its study.

They also conveyed the profound respect and admiration that Sheikh Sultan commands within Italian academic and cultural circles.

In a written address delivered on behalf of Bishop Paolo Martinelli, the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, he expressed his gratitude for the Ruler of Sharjah’s visit to the Sacred Heart University and the generous gift of a valuable historical manuscript dating back to Pope Urban VIII.

He affirmed that this cultural initiative reflects the importance of fostering cooperation between nations and institutions through culture and knowledge, thereby strengthening the longstanding historical ties between the Arabian Gulf and Europe.

Bishop Martinelli praised the constructive collaboration that embodies a spirit of openness and dialogue, which extends its influence across the university in various forms.

He recalled the inauguration of the Arab Cultural Institute, an initiative launched by the Emirate of Sharjah, describing it as an exemplary model of cultural cooperation with the Sacred Heart University.

The Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia also noted that Sheikh Sultan possesses a profound humanitarian, cultural and scholarly sensibility, which was evident during their meeting at the beginning of his mission in the region.

He expressed his gratitude for the Ruler of Sharjah’s interest in the Church and shared cultural initiatives.

For her part, Dr. Elena Beccalli, Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, delivered a speech in which she expressed her deep appreciation for this valuable initiative and the invaluable gift. She praised the continuous support of Sharjah for academic and cultural programmes, particularly through the Arab Cultural Institute in Milan, which is a result of a successful partnership between the emirate and the university.

Beccalli added, “The manuscript presented to us by His Highness is of great significance to the history of both Europe and the Arabian Gulf. However, for anyone to truly understand the importance of this document, they must refer to the book Papal Bull: Pope Urban VIII Pope of the Catholic Church Dated August 14, 1624.

“It is a thorough historical investigation conducted by distinguished historian Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, spanning over two years of meticulous research and analysis. The book draws on a vast collection of original documents, manuscripts and rare correspondences, all compiled within a carefully structured scholarly text rooted in its historical context.”

On the sidelines of the visit, Sheikh Sultan toured the accompanying historical manuscripts exhibition, which features collections in various languages, along with artefacts owned by the Sacred Heart University.

During the visit, His Highness also viewed the original Olympic torch, which is hosted at the university. The Ruler of Sharjah was briefed on students’ participation in the Winter Olympic Games, where they will carry the torch during the opening ceremony of the games to be hosted in Milan next year.

Sheikh Sultan signed copies of the book Papal Bull: Pope Urban VIII Pope of the Catholic Church Dated August 14, 1624 in both Arabic and English.