Historic papal tour. President Obama received the foot of the plane. It's an unusual gesture of courtesy.
With an impeccable punctuality, Pope Francisco landed at 16 (17 in Argentina) on US soil, where he was received personally by President Barack Obama and his family to start a historic visit in this country. In a gesture that defines the whole body, rather than addressing traditional limousine or vans of the leaders, Francisco went on a Fiat 500 black, with a yellow Vatican flag, surrounded by Secret Service.
Fransicso Pope descended the steps of the Alitalia plane on the runway of the base Andrews, steadily and with a broad smile. He shook hands with Obama, who was waiting with his wife Michelle, daughters Sasha and Malia and his mother, Mrs. Robinson. It also hoped Vice President Joe Biden, his wife, the Apostolic Nuncio and some local ecclesiastical figures.
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There were several hundred guests, including many students, who shouted to him Francisco, Francisco !! and Francisco USA !! Many of them spoke Spanish. After the greetings, the pontiff remained in the building a few minutes and then went to the Fiat 500, one of the smallest of the Italian line, and as he retreated to the low window, waving to the audience. It was towards the Nunciature, where he will spend the night to start the official agenda tomorrow.
It's very rare that the President of the United States receives an agent at the airport, although Francisco Obama wanted to make an exception. Not only was he but came with his family to greet him. George Bush had the same gesture by Benedict XVI in 2008.
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It is the first time Jorge Bergoglio steps the United States. It comes from a historic trip in Cuba and will continue here for 6 days. It is 2 in Washington, where he will meet with Obama and will officialy a message in Congress. Then he will go to New York for a day and will end two days in Philadelphia, where he will preside the Meeting of Families. Returns to Rome on Sunday.