And Shepherd One Touches down...

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

And so, the United States receives the Holy Father.

Many people were wondering why Benny did not kiss the ground upon arrival as was John Paul the Great's custom. Well, it was JPG's own custom and it is not part of any papal protocol.

Pope Benedict waves "hello" to the crowds gathered at Andrew's Airforce Base.

Pope Benedict was greeted on the tarmack by President Bush, the First Lady, and their daughter. As a point of interest, this is the first time "Dubya" has greeted a dignitary or head of state on the tarmack. When asked why, he replied that the "Pope is much more than a diplomatic figure, he is a spiritual figure".

Seen to the Pope's right are Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Pro Nuncio to the United States, and Papal Secretary, Monsignor Georg Ganswein

We thank the Lord for the Holy Father's safe arrival unto our land.