Pope Francis Arrives US, Welcomed by President Obama And Wife

by Benson Agoha | In London

USA (AP) Pope Francis has arrived the United States of America Tuesday for a meeting with President Obama inside the Oval office of the White House, on several topical issues - including abortion and same sex marriage.  It is his first visit on American soil as Pope.

* Pope Francis emerging from the aircraft

He was greeted by joyous crowds who sang "ooh..ehe.....welcome to the USA".

On arrival at Joint Base Andrews, in Maryland, he was received by the US President and his wife, Michelle. His three-city trip to the US is scheduled to last six days.

The Pope is spending three days in Washington before heading to New York and Philadelphia. This is the Pope's first visit to the United States.

He was due to deliver his opening remarks on the White House lawn where rows and rows of white chairs had been laid out early Wednesday morning.

"The speech itself, was highly anticipated, given a certain `disconnect' between Francis' focus on social justice and a merciful church and the culture wars that America's bishops have waged in recent years over abortion and gay rights," reports AP.

But it is doubtful whether both the Pope and the President will be shaking hands of understanding on several of such issues as the majority of American Catholics look forward to the Popes opinion in the face of the new laws - especially the Same-sex relationship law.

Pope Francis talks with President Barack Obama,
accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, after arriving at
Andrews Air Force Base in Md., Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. (Credit: AP)

The crowd cheers as Pope Francis arrives at Andrews
Air Force Base, Md., Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015.