2008-04-15 23:11:39

Pope Touches Down in USA on Pilgrimage of Hope


(15 Apr 08 - RV) ‘Shepherd One’ as it has been dubbed by people in the US arrived on time at Andrews Air force Base Maryland shortly before 4 pm local time.

Apostolic Nuncio to the United States Pietro Sambi, immediately boarded the Alitalia plane bearing the papal banners yellow and white.

Shortly afterwards Pope Benedict emerged from the Boeing 777 to the strains of ‘Happy Birthday’ from a students, waiting on the ground.

At the foot of the plane, US president George W Bush accompanied by his wife and daughter greeted the Pope welcoming him on his first official visit to the United States of America.

The Holy Father was accompanied by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and personal secretary Georg Gaenswein.

Pope Benedict XVI warmly waved to the gathered and screaming crowds as he made his way towards the airport base where a limousine awaited to transport him from the Maryland airfield to the Apostolic Nunciature in the Capital Washington DC.

Of course the official welcoming ceremony will take place Wednesday, when Pope Benedict XVI will be guest of honour at the White House.

The ceremony will take place on the South Lawn of the White House. There the Holy Father will deliver a televised speech, followed by a courtesy visit with the president in the Oval Office.
At noon local time Wednesday the Pope will return to the nunciature where he will lunch with the U.S. Cardinals.
Shortly after, he will greet representatives of Catholic charitable foundations at the nunciature. Following this he will journey to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where he will celebrate vespers and meet with the bishops of the United States in the basilica, one of the highlights of his pilgrimage.
Wednesday also marks Pope Benedict XVI’s 81st birthday.












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