Pope Francis arrives in UAE on historic first visit to Arabian Peninsula
Pope Francis has become the first head of the Catholic church to visit the Arabian Peninsula in a historic visit.
The pontiff touched down in the United Arab Emirates today, and is set to meet religious and political leaders on a three day trip to the home of Islam.
He arrived in Abu Dhabi, where he was greeted by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
Before he arrived, Pope Francis wrote on Twitter: “I am about to leave for the United Arab Emirates. I am visiting that Country as a brother, in order to write a page of dialogue together, and to travel paths of peace together. Pray for me!”
And the Crown Prince wrote: "We warmly welcome you Holy Father, Pope Francis."
The pontiff will say mass for Catholics living in the region, which is expected to draw a crowd of around 120,000.
There are around a million Catholics in the United Arab Emirates, and his visit will include numerous interfaith visits.
He had previously spoken about the crisis in Yemen during his regular Sunday service at the Vatican, saying: "I’ve followed with great concern the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
"The population is exhausted by the long conflict and many children are suffering from hunger, but are unable to access food supplies …
"I call on the parties involved and the international community to urgently observe the agreements and assure the distribution of food and work for the good of the population."
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