Pope Caps Visit to Arabian Peninsula With Historic Mass
Pope Francis at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 5.
Photographer: Karim Sahib/AFP via Getty Images
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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- The soft hymns of "Hallelujah" boomed from speakers Tuesday as Pope Francis celebrated the first papal Mass in the Arabian Peninsula for about 180,000 people, capping a visit to the United Arab Emirates that emphasized the presence of minority Christians in the region and a greater understanding with Islam.
It was considered to be the largest display of public worship by Christians on the peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. A large, golden-hued cross on an all-white stage provided a simple and profound backdrop.