Vast crowds gather for pope's first mass in Africa

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.

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.

"It's important for me to be here because I want to see the Pope and hear his message," said engineering student Stephen Kola, a Catholic volunteer who was helping out and said he wanted to hear the pontiff's words on "peace, forgiveness, love and unity."

Kenya's main newspapers quickly picked up on his choice of vehicle to travel from the airport: a simple grey saloon car.

"Modesty at its best as pope rides in simple car," The Standard newspaper said, noting the stark contrast that made with the government's large luxury "fuel guzzlers."

Thousands of police and troops have been deployed and roads closed to ensure security as the pontiff makes his first visit to Kenya on a six-day trip which will also take him to Uganda and Central African Republic (CAR).

Ahead of the mass, Francis met with religious leaders of different faiths, where he spoke out against the radicalisation of young people and the "barbarous attacks" carried out in the name of religion.