Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Pope Takes Off For U.S. Tour

Benedict XVI's First U.S. Visit As Pontiff Will Include Meeting With President, Visit To Ground Zero

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2008

(CBS/AP) From a presidential welcome, to two Masses at baseball stadiums, to a stop for prayer at ground zero in New York, Pope Benedict XVI will get a heavy dose of the American experience in his first pilgrimage to the United States.

Benedict departed for Washington on Tuesday, with President Bush planning to make the unusual gesture of greeting him when his special Alitalia jetliner touches down at Andrews Air Force Base - the first time the president has greeted a foreign leader there.

Planners have kept that as Benedict's only public appearance on first day of six in America, clearly trying to help him get over any jet lag. He will turn 81 on Wednesday, although he seems spry and aides pronounce him in good health.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 11:33 AM