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Pope Francis arrives at the White House

September 23, 2015

Making his first official visit to the US, Pope Francis has been greeted at an official ceremony at the White House. An estimated 200,000 people gathered in Washington for a glimpse of the pontiff.

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Pope Francis and US President Obama
Image: Getty Images/AFP/V. Pinto

Pope Francis called on the US to build a "truly tolerant and inclusive society," as he gave a speech on the White House lawn on Wednesday, the second day of his official US visit.

The pontiff paid tribute to American Catholics, who he said were "building a society that is truly tolerant and inclusive." He also called on Americans to "reject every form of injustice and discrimination."

The 78-year-old Pope received the kind of pomp and pageantry most world leaders can only dream of, as part of a historic first trip to the US.

The pontiff was greeted by US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, along with full state honors, which included a formal parade with a military band, a gospel choir and a 21-gun salute.

In his speech, Pope Francis lauded Obama's efforts on climate change, adding that the problem "could not be left to our future generations."

Without mentioning Cuba, which Francis visited prior to the US, he also praised the US leader's efforts to "mend broken relationships and to open new doors."



Obama joked that the White House lawn was not normally so busy, adding that the huge welcome the Pope had received was "just a small display of devotion from some 70 million Catholic Americans."

The US leader also hailed the Pope's message of "love and hope," describing how he was "shaking us out of our complacency" with reminders to care for the poor and the planet.

Crowds gathered at the White House
Crowds gathered for a glimpse of Pope Francis on his first visit to the US.Image: Reuters/K. Lamarque

Around 15,000 invited guests - including Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and other religious leaders - applauded Pope Francis' arrival, awaiting his speech. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of the US capital for a glimpse at the leader of the Catholic Church.

A formal ceremony for Pope Francis in Washington
Pope Francis was given full state honors in Washington as part of his five day visit to the USImage: Reuters/J. Ernst


The Vatican declined the offer of a limousine and traveled to the White House in a small Fiat car instead. Later, he was expected to wave to the crowds from his popemobile.

Francis also declined a formal state banquet at the White House on Wednesday evening, citing a busy schedule. The Pope is due to spend the rest of the day with Roman Catholic bishops before attending Mass at Washington's Catholic University.

During his visit, the pontiff will also perform the canonization of 18th century priest and missionary Junipero Serra.

mm/msh (AP, Reuters)