Pope Francis said Tuesday he sensed "good will to bring about a process of peace" in Yemen during his meetings with officials from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia's key ally in the war.

Francis acknowledged that after only two days in Abu Dhabi and discussions with only a few people "it's difficult to offer an opinion." But speaking to reporters en route home, he said: "I found good will to bring about a process of peace" in the conflict.

Francis was also asked what he made of the Emirates' military-heavy welcome ceremony, which featured an artillery salute and an aircraft flyover that trailed the yellow and white smoke of the Holy See. Even by the UAE's excessive standards, the welcome was unusually grand and not exactly in Francis' simple style.

Francis, who was making the first-ever visit to the Arabian Peninsula by a pope, said he viewed the ceremony as a gesture of good will that was appropriate for the culture of his hosts.

AFP.