His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI touched down at Washington’s Andrews Air Force Base on Tuesday, April 15, to begin his first visit to the United States as pontiff. President George W. Bush made some history at the same time, becoming the first U.S. president to greet a dignitary of any kind at the base. The President, joined by Mrs. Bush and their daughter, Jenna, and U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon, took part in an unprecedented greeting ceremony complete with military honor guards and brass bands.

The following morning, President and Mrs. Bush welcomed Pope Benedict XVI to the White House. Ambassador Glendon called it a "proud day for all Americans." An estimated 12,000 people took part in the Welcome Ceremony on the South Lawn, and sang Happy Birthday to the Pope as he celebrated his 81st birthday.

In a closed-door meeting, the President and the Holy Father continued discussions, which they began during the President's visit to the Vatican in June 2007, on their common commitment to the importance of faith and reason in reaching shared goals. These goals include advancing peace throughout the Middle East and other troubled regions, promoting inter-faith understanding, and strengthening human rights and freedom, especially religious liberty, around the world. Underlining their common vision, the White House and the Holy See issued a Joint Statement following the meeting.

Thousands lined the strees of the U.S. capital as Pope Benedict made his way from the White House in his world-famous Popemobile. U.S. and Vatican flags dotted the streets even as the Pope left for New York City, where he was to address the United Nations General Assembly and pay a pastoral visit Ground Zero.