In pictures: Pope Francis visits Ur, the 'birthplace' of Abraham

After the interfaith prayer at Ur, attendees grab opportunities for selfies with Pope Francis in the background.  (Tom Westcott)

Laith Khaki, who follows the ancient Yarsan religion, said he hopes Pope Francis's visit will help bring peace to Iraq. (Tom Westcott)

The Ziggurat of Ur. Electricity was brought to the site for the pope's visit so that the structure could be illuminated at night. (Tom Westcott)

Iraq's Special Forces, drafted in to provide security for the visit, were seen stationed across the plains of Ur. (Tom Westcott)

Sheikh Sattar Jabar al-Helo, the leader of Iraq's Mandaean community, with fellow Mandaean Samer Neam. (Tom Westcott)

Two churchmen from Lebanon look at the reconstructed area which is said to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham. The reconstruction was undertaken in 1999 for a planned papal visit that was cancelled. (Tom Westcott)

An eastern churchman walks through a rebuilt section of ancient Ur said to be Abraham's house. (Tom Westcott)

New signage was in place across Ur as part of efforts to spruce up the ancient site for the visit by Pope Francis. (Tom Westcott)