Andrews AFB, MD – Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 22 and the president of the United States was there to welcome him. Emerging from his chartered plane on a red-carpeted tarmac, the pontiff was greeted by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama and their two daughters.
Vice President Biden and his wife were also at the air base where hundreds cheered the pope’s arrival.
Among those greeting the head of the Roman Catholic Church were several Catholic school students from around the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Also part of the welcoming party was former Maryland lieutenant governor Michael Steele.
The stop in Washington, DC is part of Pope Francis’ six-day, three-city visit to the United States.
On Wednesday, Pope Francis will visit the White House, preside over a prayer service with U.S. Bishops, and celebrate an outdoor Canonization Mass at the National Shrine for the Immaculate Conception. Junipero Serra will become a saint during the first Canonization Mass on U.S. soil.
Thursday, Sept. 24 Pope Francis will address a joint session of Congress, visit St. Patrick’s Church in Washington as well as Catholic Charities headquarters. He will depart from Andrews at approximately 4 p.m. Thursday.
