Pope Francis is in America

The Pope has come to America to meet with leaders and to tour major cities.

Kelsey Long, Website Specialist
September 23, 2015

U.S. President Barack Obama greets His Holiness Pope Francis on his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. The Pope is making his first trip to the United States on a three-city, five-day tour that will include Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/TNS)
U.S. President Barack Obama greets His Holiness Pope Francis on his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. The Pope is making his first trip to the United States on a three-city, five-day tour that will include Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/TNS)

An adoring crowd greeted Pope Francis today after his meeting with President Barack Obama in Washington D.C.

The religious leader stood in a jeep while different security forces jogged alongside in a short parade around the D.C. area. His tour took him down Constitution Avenue, which is located near the Washington Monument. In some areas, the crowd was 15-20 people deep. “If I would have been there, I definitely would have been up front, trying to get a closer look.” Senior Meghan Callen said.

Pope Francis stopped twice along his route to kiss a baby on the head. At a separate point, a young girl broke through the yellow police tape to and she received a papal blessing from the Pope. “I think it is absolutely amazing that the Pope would even stop for people. He is such a great leader, in my opinion.” Callen said. 

Sept. 22 marked the beginning of his trip throughout the U.S. Tomorrow, the Pope will participate in a first-ever, an address to the Congress. He will also arrive in New York on Thursday where he will visit the 9/11 memorial and lead a progression through Central Park. On Saturday, he will arrive in Philadelphia, visiting Independence Hall along the way. On Sunday, he will depart for Rome.