Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, arrived in Cairo on Friday and started his visit to Egypt by meeting with President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi at Ittihadyia Palace, according to state media.

The Pope was greeted by Prime Minister Sherif Ismail at Cairo International Airport. He is expected to meet top state officials as well as the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.

In press statements about the visit, the Vatican said that the visit will be a message of brotherhood and peace.

Thousands of worshipers are expected to attend a mass headed by the Pope at the Air Defence Stadium.