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John of Antioch on the death of the former Emir of Qatar: Loss for the entire Arab worldtranslated

July 13, 2026 · 1 min read

The Patriarch of Antioch characterizes as a loss for Qatar, for the Arab world and for the whole world in general. John I on the death of the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away at the age of 74 on Sunday, July 12, 2026. His Holiness sent a condolence message to the son of the former Sheikh, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressing his prayers for the deceased whose loss leaves a huge void not only in Qatar, but in the entire Arab world.

"May God give you strength and guide your steps for the good of Qatar and all of humanity", says, among others, Patriarch Ioannis.

Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was one of the most significant figures in Qatar's modern history. He took power in 1995 and was emir until 2013, when he made a rare for the region voluntary transfer of power to his son, the current emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

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Павел Михайлов

Eternal memory to the sheikh. Patriarch John correctly wrote about the huge emptiness - a man ruled for 18 years and he himself transferred power to his son, this rarely happens. I wonder how Qatar will develop without him now.

Леся Шевченко

It's a pity that such a person left. He ruled for 18 years and handed over power to his son — this is truly rare, as Pavlo noted. May the Lord rest his soul.

Степан Кузнецов

Eternal memory to the sheikh. Patriarch John accurately noticed that after 18 years of rule and the voluntary transfer of power to his son in 2013, a large void remains. I wonder how the son will cope now without his father’s experience.

Анастасия Морозова

Eternal memory, yes. 18 years is really a long time, and the fact that he himself gave up his place to his son without noise is a rarity for those parts. I wonder if Tam will maintain the same course towards Christians as under their father.

Вера Васильева

I agree, Stepan, 18 years is a long time, and a voluntary transfer of power to a son is truly rare. Tamim already has 13 years of experience, but without his father’s advice, of course, it’s empty. Let us pray that the Lord will give him wisdom.