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The manuscript dates back to August 14, 1624, and includes a papal decree written by Pope Urban VIII and sealed in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Additionally, His Highness gifted his book "Papal Bull" in both Arabic and English at the university’s premises.
In his speech, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Rector and members of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan for their warm welcome. Sharjah Ruler conveyed his great happiness at being present at the university and speaking with its officials, praising the efforts of the administrative and academic staff, as well as the students studying Arabic, who are a product of the cooperation between Sharjah and the university.
His Highness spoke about the manuscript he gifted to the university, which dates back to August 14, 1624, highlighting that it is a papal decree written by Pope Urban VIII and sealed in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The purpose of the decree was to raise financial assistance for the Portuguese fleet.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah discussed the conflict between the Portuguese and the English in Hormuz, stating, "In 1622, the Portuguese were expelled from Hormuz at the entrance to the Arabian Gulf from the Persian coast, where they had occupied it for one hundred and fifteen years, by English and Persian forces. The mission of the Portuguese leaders, along with the priests, was evangelization, whether in Hormuz, Persia, or India."
His Highness added, "After the English expelled the Portuguese from Hormuz in Persia, King Philip of Portugal sought to retake Hormuz. However, the Portuguese government lacked the financial resources to send a military campaign for its recovery. King Philip requested financial support from the clergy, which led Pope Urban VIII to issue a papal decree to collect the necessary funds from the churches."
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah explained that he translated and studied this decree, tracking the funds collected through the churches, which amounted to two hundred thousand cruzados, a Portuguese gold currency at the time. The goal was to build a fleet and send it to India to retake Hormuz. His Highness noted that the fleet required a special type of large ship capable of crossing oceans, which would take considerable time, along with a sailing journey from Portugal to India that would last several months.
His Highness indicated that King Philip ordered the funds to be sent to India to build a local fleet there, due to the short distance between India and Hormuz. He explained that the details of this fleet and its armament are mentioned in the book "Papal Decree" that he authored, as well as the account of its journey to the battle site in Hormuz against the English and Dutch forces, culminating in the defeat of the Portuguese fleet.
His Highness concluded his speech by addressing the audience, saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, today I present this manuscript as a gift to the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, along with the book 'Papal Bull,' which is an investigation of that manuscript, to be placed in its rightful place in this esteemed university, in recognition of our academic collaboration."
The gifting ceremony began with a musical performance featuring classical pieces in Arabic, during which the students warmly welcomed His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. They expressed their appreciation for his significant support, particularly through the Arab Cultural Institute in Milan and his efforts in promoting the Arabic language and its studies. The students conveyed their deep respect and admiration for His Highness in the Italian academic and cultural fields.
In a written statement delivered on behalf of Bishop Paolo Martinelli, the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabian Peninsula, he expressed his deep gratitude for the visit of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to the Catholic University and for gifting a valuable historical manuscript from Pope Urban VIII. He emphasised that this cultural initiative reflects the importance of cooperation between peoples and institutions through culture and knowledge, enhancing the historical relations between the Arabian Gulf and Europe.
Martinelli praised the constructive cooperation that embodies the spirit of openness and dialogue, which extends its impact to the university in various forms. He recalled the opening of the Arab Cultural Institute initiated by the Emirate of Sharjah, which represents an exemplary model of cultural collaboration with the Catholic University.
The Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabian Peninsula noted that His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah possesses a high human, cultural, and academic sensibility, which was clearly reflected during their meeting at the beginning of his mission in the region. He expressed gratitude for His Highness's generous interest in the church and the shared cultural initiatives.
Following that, Dr. Elena Beccalli, Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, delivered a speech expressing her deep appreciation for this valuable initiative and the precious gift. She praised the continuous support provided by the Emirate of Sharjah for academic and cultural programmes, particularly through the Arab Cultural Institute in Milan, which is a successful outcome of the partnership between Sharjah and the university.
Dr. Beccalli added, "The document presented by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah is extremely significant in the history of Europe and the Arabian Gulf. To truly appreciate its importance, we must refer to the book 'Papal Bull of Pope Urban VIII, dated August 4, 1624.' This profound historical investigation was accomplished by the esteemed historian Dr Sultan Al Qasimi over more than two years of meticulous research and precise connections, gathering a vast number of original documents, manuscripts, and rare correspondence. This work was crafted into a scientifically rigorous text within its historical context, making the book a detailed reference for the original document, potentially exceeding the scientific and historical value of the best doctoral theses in this field."
On his part, student Alessandro Botia delivered a speech on behalf of the students of the Arabic Language Institute in Milan, expressing his gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for providing them the opportunity to learn Arabic and engage with its culture through the Arab Cultural Institute, which His Highness inaugurated last year as an initiative from Sharjah. He affirmed that this support has made a profound impact on their educational journey.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah graciously signed the book "Papal Bull of Pope Urban VIII”, dated August 4, 1624, in both Arabic and English. In the book dedicated to the university, His Highness wrote, "I present you this book in which I have documented, through investigation, research, and fairness, many details and facts about an important period of our history and yours. I have gathered its truths from around the world and documented them in Sharjah, and I leave it to you and to the future." This dedication is considered a scholarly contribution that reflects Sharjah's commitment to documenting history and enhancing cultural communication with global academic institutions.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah received a commemorative gift from the Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, which was an original 3D map of the city of Milan dating back to 1657.
During the visit, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah also toured the accompanying exhibition of historical manuscripts, showcasing several manuscripts in different languages and artifacts belonging to the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart. Additionally, His Highness viewed the original Olympic torch hosted by the university, learning about the students' participation in the Winter Olympic Games by carrying the torch during the opening ceremony in Milan next year.
The gifting ceremony was attended by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, along with Abdullah Ali Al Subosi, Ambassador of the UAE to Italy, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), Elena Beccalli, Rector of Milan's Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, and several members of the administrative and academic bodies as well as university students.
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