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| Image source: BBC |
Huge crowds braved heavy
rains they hailed as "God's blessing" on Thursday to take part in
Pope Francis' first open-air mass in Africa, singing and dancing in the centre
of the Kenyan capital. Many of the worshippers spent the night outside in torrential
downpours to take part in the mass, although the rain eased off as Francis
arrived in his popemobile to a tumultuous welcome from the crowds, who waved
wildly as he passed.
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| Image source: BBC |
The
mass in the University of Nairobi, which is also being shown live on giant
television screens in neighbouring parks, is the 78-year-old's first major
appearance in public and a highly-anticipated part of his three-day visit to
Kenya.
Over
100,000 people -- including some 60 cardinals, archbishops and bishops from
across east Africa, and 9,000 priests -- crammed into the park, smiling despite
the rain, which is often a symbol of blessing in the Bible and which many said
was a gift from God.
