Pope Francis arrives in Abu Dhabi for historic visit

Pope Francis, the great shepherd of the global Catholic Church, arrived in Abu Dhabi with a message of love for peace and brotherhood. This is the first time in history that a pope has visited the Arabian peninsula. The Pope and his delegation, who arrived at the Presidential Airport at 11.30 pm (IST), were received by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance. The pope will be accorded an official welcome at the presidential palace this afternoon.

Pope Francis will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the International Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head of the Malankara Catholic Church from Kerala, is attending this conference. The Pope’s mass will be held at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi at 10.30 am tomorrow. Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, head of the Syro-Malabar Church, and Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, Dr. Paul Hinder will also be accompanying the Pope in the divine sacrifice. The Pope is on a three-day official visit to Abu Dhabi.