Watch Pope Francis Arrive in America
President Obama was on hand to greet the Pontiff personally.
— -- Pope Francis arrived in the U.S. Tuesday and was greeted by the President, the First Family and adoring fans and faithful in his historic trip to America.
The pontiff even made a quick change of clothes as he stepped off his plane at Andrews Air Force Base.
After realizing that it was quite windy in Maryland today, the pope took off his zucchetto, the white ecclesiastical skullcap that he regularly wears, and grabbed it before it went flying.
Today's move marked an improvement from earlier in the trip, because when he he landed in Cuba this weekend, his zucchetto went flying.
President Obama was the first to shake Pope Francis' hand, followed by Michelle Obama, their younger daughter Sasha, their older daughter Malia, Michelle's mother Marian Robinson, Vice President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, and their granddaughters Maisy and Finnegan.
The president followed Pope Francis as he walked along the red carpet, shaking the hands of religious leaders who were on hand to greet him.
Screaming crowds of children and well wishers were also on site, cheering in sets of bleachers that had been prepared for his arrival.
After a short stop in the distinguished visitors lounge at Joint Base Andrews, Pope Francis left the site in the backseat of a Fiat. All told, the event lasted about 25 minutes.