Visiting with the Crown Prince

This morning, after having celebrated a private Mass, at 11:50am local time (2:50am EST), the Holy Father, Pope Francis travelled by car to the Presidential Palace for a welcoming ceremony and an official visit with the Crown Prince, His Highness, Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Upon his arrival, the Presidential guards, riding on horseback, escorted the Pope's automobile to the main entrance of the Palace.  Then, the Holy Father was welcomed by the Crown Prince, His Highness, Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Following the presentation of military honours and the playing of the national anthems, the members of the respective delegations were introduced.  Then, the hereditary Prince accompanied Pope Francis to a room where, at 12:20pm local time (3:20am EST), they met in private for approximately twenty minutes.

When their discussions were concluded, the Holy Father signed the Book of Honour and there was an exchange of gifts before Pope Francis bid farewell to the Crown Prince and returned to the Al Mushrif Palace.