Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, put out its wings and flew Pope Francis out of the capital city of Abu Dhabi after a landmark visit.
The pope's visit marked a historic moment for interfaith relations, as it is the first time a Catholic pontiff makes it out to the Gulf region. Pope Francis departed the country on an Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
In a statement, the airlines said the pope left "behind a legacy of tolerance and peace."
Prior to his arrival to the UAE capital, Pope Francis said he will be visiting the country "as a brother" ... and well, it seems he left like a brother as well.
An Emirati captain welcomed the pope on board the flight
Emirati captain Abdulla Obaid welcomed Pope Francis on board the six-hour flight, as he flew him back to Vatican City.
"I feel special because to my knowledge I will be the first Emirati pilot to fly his Holiness the Pope," the 45-year-old captain said in a statement.
"It makes me proud, excited and also thankful to my company for giving me the opportunity."
The Vatican logo was added on the plane's door and headrests, honoring the pope following his remarkable visit.
Pope Francis' landmark visit
On Monday, Pope Francis arrived at the Abu Dhabi Presidential Palace, where he was welcomed with an artillery salute and a military flyover.
According to The National, Pope Francis arrived to the ceremony in a Kia Soul. The model has been manufactured in the UAE since 2009.
He was greeted by Abu Dhabi's crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as the Vatican and Emirati anthems played in the background.
In the evening, he took part in an inter-religious meeting with Muslim clerics on the backdrop of tolerance and peace.
On Tuesday, an open-air mass saw more than 130,000 people get together at the Zayed Sports City.
