American Airlines to carry Pope on USA tour

Father McDonald did a sabbatical at the Vatican two years ago and celebrated several masses and got to see the Pope up close. Francis said they spoke a lot about the pope’s encyclical on climate change because Fidel is very anxious about the environment.

He smiled broadly and said hello to individual well-wishers before walking along the red carpet alongside Obama.

The cheers of hundreds, including local school children, greeted the pope like a rock star as he exited the plane.

In the final Mass of his four-day visit to the island, with President Raul Castro attending, he urged thousands of Cubans to serve one another and not an ideology. His visit ends Sunday and also includes stops in New York and Philadelphia.

Pope Francis arrived in the United States Tuesday afternoon for his first trip ever to this country.

President Obama and Vice President Biden were running a little late to Andrews Air Force Base, where the pope’s plane was scheduled to land. On Wednesday, Francis meets with President Barack Obama; on Thursday, he addresses a joint meeting of Congress; on Friday, he addresses the United Nations .

“The pope is a singular figure, and he has really stirred the souls of people all around the world“, said Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary.

Sister Donna Pollard is also going on the once-in-a-lifetime trip.

American last carried a pope, John Paul II, in 1993, flying him from Denver to Rome.

Pope Francis is popular, tends to wade into crowds and likes to travel in an open-sided Jeep.

Authorities have launched one of the biggest security operations in America’s history to ensure the pope’s safety. He concluded his visit to Cuba earlier in the day.

It may have been summed up best by Bishop Gregory Hartmayer of the Savannah Catholic Diocese “We’re looking forward to seeing the pope and welcoming him to the USA , listening to his wisdom and his words and his reflection on the importance of the family”. The pontiff will ride in his specially equipped “popemobile” around the Ellipse south of the White House along the National Mall.

Pope Francis will give a speech to the Joint-Meeting of Congress (both the Senate and House of Representatives).

Francis called for Catholics to be able to practice more religious freedom.