Pope Francis continued his mission of peace and understanding in Africa on Sunday morning, landing in the Central African Republic. Francis has been on a mission to foster improved relations between Islam and Christianity. He landed in the capital city of Bangui which has been in violent upheaval for the past couple of years.

More than 6,000 people have been killed since 2013 in sectarian violence that had fallen along religious lines. The pope landed at the airport and drove in a white SUV through a throng of people who had gathered to cheer his arrival. He had the windows down and waved to the crowds, according to The Washington Post. The gathered crowds began chanting that peace had finally arrived in their country because Francis had come to them.

Thousands of people have been forced from Bangui and other regions of the country due to an ongoing war between Muslin and Christian factions. The conflict and resulting violence has deeply divided this African nation. The United Nations efforts have failed to broker any sort of peace agreement there. The pope declared that he will do what he can to bring the two warring factions together in hope and understanding. The pope demanded that both sides lay down their weapons and come to a peace table.

Human Rights Watch stated that they didn’t think the appearance of the pope would have much affect. The Muslim and Christian leaders in the country have no influence over the armed factions but they believe that the pope coming there will shine a light on them and their situation.

This is Francis’ first visit to Africa and is the first time a Catholic Christian pope has ventured into an extremely violent and war torn area of the world. Francis immediately felt the segregation as only Christians came out to see him. The pope hopes to begin the peace process before he leaves the country.

Many people came to speak with Francis and told him of how they have friends who are Muslim that they have not seen in some time. The violence has put a halt to normal living for most people, they told him. The pope led a Catholic Christian worship service on Sunday and only one Muslim was in attendance, a Muslim imam of great respect and importance.

After the service, Francis went and immediately greeted the imam, who him that the situation there seemed hopeless as the warring factions listen to no one. The imam said that these fighters were not good Christians or Muslims. They do not seek a peaceful way as everyone else does.