Sharjah Ruler Gifts Historic 1624 Papal Manuscript to Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, presented a rare historical manuscript to the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, Italy. The manuscript, dated August 14, 1624, features a papal decree issued by Pope Urban VIII and sealed at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
The special occasion was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and wife of the Ruler of Sharjah.
In addition to the manuscript, His Highness also gifted his authored book "Papal Bull", presented in both Arabic and English. The book provides a comprehensive historical context and scholarly analysis of the decree.
During his speech at the university, His Highness shared historical insights about the manuscript, which was issued to raise funds for the Portuguese fleet at a time when the Portuguese had been expelled from the strategic port of Hormuz in the Arabian Gulf. His Highness elaborated on the historical conflict, stating:
“In 1622, the Portuguese were expelled from Hormuz, at the entrance to the Arabian Gulf, by English and Persian forces after occupying it for 115 years. The mission of the Portuguese, alongside their priests, was not only political but also evangelistic in regions like Hormuz, Persia, and India.”
His Highness detailed how the Portuguese government, under King Philip of Portugal, lacked sufficient resources to reclaim Hormuz. In response, Pope Urban VIII issued a decree urging churches to collect funds, which eventually totaled 200,000 cruzados — a significant amount in Portuguese gold currency. These funds were intended for the construction of a fleet in India, which was geographically closer to Hormuz than Portugal, to expedite military efforts.
The Ruler of Sharjah emphasized that the book "Papal Bull" tracks the collection of these funds, outlines the fleet’s construction and armament, and recounts the fleet’s ill-fated campaign against English and Dutch forces, culminating in its defeat.
As a token of appreciation, the Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart presented His Highness with a historic 3D map of Milan, dating back to 1657.
This gesture of cultural and academic exchange reflects His Highness’s enduring commitment to preserving and sharing historical knowledge and fostering international collaboration in education and research.
