Benedict Arrives in US

Visit is first by a pontiff since 9/11 attacks
Posted Apr 15, 2008 3:13 PM CDT
Benedict Arrives in US
Pope Benedict XVI, right, is greeted by President Bush, center, first lady Laura Bush, second from the left and daughter Jenna Bush, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Tuesday, April 15, 2008.    (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Pope Benedict XVI arrived at Andrews Air Force Base this afternoon and received a gala welcome from a cheering crowd led by President Bush. The pope will visit Washington and New York during his six-day visit, saying Mass at a baseball park in each city. The official greeting ceremony will take place tomorrow, the pontiff's 81st birthday, at the White House.

Bush's presence on the tarmac at Andrews when the pope's plane, "Shepherd 1," touched down was unprecedented, Newsday reports: A president has never before greeted a head of state upon arrival in the country. First Lady Laura Bush and daughter Jenna joined him, and each of them greeted the pope with a handshake.

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