Pilgrims in the Gulf

摘要

CHRISTIAN PILGRIMS are not often seen in the Arabian peninsula, where Islam was born. But they are flocking to one of its emirates, Abu Dhabi, for its first papal mass on February 5th. More than 100,000 are preparing to pack the Zayed stadium, adorned with a big cross, to celebrate the Eucharist with Pope Francis. Hotels are full of pilgrims chanting hosannas. Some hold standards bearing the Christian dove of peace tweaked with wings the colours of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag. The pope is "a symbol of peace, tolerance and the promotion of brotherhood", says Muhammad bin Zayed, the crown prince, de facto ruler and papal host.