Pope Francis stepped away from the pomp and pageantry of Capitol Hill to be with the poor and homeless on Thursday.
Passing on the opportunity to dine with politicians after addressing Congress this morning, Francis instead said a prayer blessing a meal for homeless clients of St. Maria's Meals, a food program run by Catholic Charities in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis extending a blessing to a @ccadw client! #WalkwithFrancis #PopeInDC
A photo posted by Archdiocese of Washington (@washarchdiocese) on
Just before the meal, Francis drew a powerful comparison between the plight of the homeless and the Christmas story about Jesus’ birth in a stable.
“The son of God knew what it was to be a homeless person,” Francis said, during a speech at nearby St. Patrick's Catholic Church. “What it was to start life without a roof over his head.”
“I want to be very clear. We can’t find any social or moral justification, no justification whatsoever for lack of housing,” he continued. “We know that Jesus wanted to show solidarity with every person. He wanted everyone to experience his companionship, his help and his love. He identified with all those who suffer, who weep, who suffer any kind of injustice. He tells us this clearly, ‘I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’"
Pope Francis is working the crowd at @ccadw! #WalkwithFrancis #PopeInDC
A photo posted by Archdiocese of Washington (@washarchdiocese) on
The St. Maria’s Meals program is a familiar sight on G street in D.C. Every Wednesday, volunteers set up tents on the sidewalk outside the Catholic Charities building and dish out hot meals to about 300 people in need.
For this week's meal, organizers shut down an entire city block to accommodate the crowd. Chefs were slated to prepare chicken and pasta dishes, along with homemade desserts. Monsignor John Enzler, CEO of Catholic Charities in D.C. told WBAL-TV they were aiming for dishes that are "easy to serve, but very healthy, very nutritious.”
The symbolic move was evidence of Francis' desire to reach out to the margins and care for the poor. Under his watch, the Vatican opened new shower facilities in St. Peter's Square where people can get free haircuts and a shave. The Vatican is also building a homeless shelter in Rome that can serve 30 people at a time.
In March, the pope's alsmgiver, who is in charge of doing charitable works on the pope's behalf, invited a group of homeless people for a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and a dinner at the Vatican museums. Pope Francis stopped by to pay the group a surprise visit, greeting each homeless man and woman individually.
The visit to Catholic Charities and to St. Patrick's Catholic Church was the last stop on Francis' itinerary in Washington, D.C. At 4 p.m., he will board a plane at Joint Base Andrews and fly to New York City, where he will address the United Nations General Assembly, participate in an interfaith service at the 9/11 memorial, visit with Catholic school students and immigrants in East Harlem, and lead Mass at Madison Square Garden.
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BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty ImagesPeople pray during a mass celebrated by Pope Francis for the World Meeting of Families on Benjamin Franklin Parkway September 27, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis is in the United State for the last of 6 days during his first trip as the leader of the Catholic Church. AFP PHOTO/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) -
Hundreds of priests walk down the parkway to distribute communion pic.twitter.com/ghFIM5HKFI
— Jaweed Kaleem (@jaweedkaleem) September 27, 2015 -
Baby Matthew, 1 month old, was kissed by Pope Francis, passing in his motorcade. Mom wept. "Blessed." #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/u25ggaOcn2
— Kristen Graham (@newskag) September 27, 2015 -
Executive Editor @raushenbush is ready for the pope. Add HuffPost on Snapchat! pic.twitter.com/ruXpyDIvBK
— HuffPost Religion (@HuffPostRelig) September 27, 2015 -
Pope Francis' historic outdoor Mass expected to have 1 million spectators #PopeinPhilly //t.co/u4Vcl6NkAm pic.twitter.com/BQxg4aiRp8
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) September 27, 2015 -
.@Pontifex waves to students in Villiger Hall. #PopeInPhilly #FranciSJU pic.twitter.com/b23Kk0ZB2g
— Saint Joseph's (@saintjosephs) September 27, 2015 -
"Miremos a Jesús que nos lava los pies. Él es el camino…" #PapaFrancisco #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/nmromDrGsY
— Antonio Spadaro SJ (@antoniospadaro) September 27, 2015 -
Did you see this? Emotional embrace between #PopeInPhilly and prisoner https://t.co/niTiRpwxkX
— Ryan M. Thomas ن (@RyanM_Thomas) September 27, 2015 -
Drew Angerer via Getty ImagesPope Francis waves to the audience after speaking at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, September 27, 2015 in Wynnewwod, Pennsylvania. After visiting Washington and New York City, Pope Francis concludes his tour of the U.S. with events in Philadelphia on Saturday and Sunday. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) -
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty ImagesPope Francis met privately with survivors of sexual abuse at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary on Sunday morning.
Read more here. -
Pool via Getty ImagesPHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Pope Francis attends the Festival of Families along Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 26, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis wraps up his trip to the United States with two days in Philadelphia, attending the Festival of Families and meeting with prisoners at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. (Photo by Eric Thayer-Pool/Getty Images) -
Pool via Getty ImagesPHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Pope Francis speaks at the Festival of Families along Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 26, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis wraps up his trip to the United States with two days in Philadelphia, attending the Festival of Families and meeting with prisoners at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. (Photo by Eric Thayer-Pool/Getty Images) -
Pool via Getty ImagesPHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Sister Sledge performs at the Festival of Families on September 26, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis wraps up his trip to the United States with two days in Philadelphia, attending the Festival of Families and meeting with prisoners at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. (Photo by Matt Rourke-Pool/Getty Images) -
Pool via Getty ImagesPHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Audience members cheer as musician Matt Maher performs at the Festival of Families on September 26, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis wraps up his trip to the United States with two days in Philadelphia, attending the Festival of Families and meeting with prisoners at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. (Photo by Matt Rourke-Pool/Getty Images) -
multicultural feeling at Independence Mall: Tibetan dancers among other groups perform ahead of the pope's visit pic.twitter.com/ol2hJth737
— Jaweed Kaleem (@jaweedkaleem) September 26, 2015 -
ICYMI: Papal visit to US sparks 'Pope dog' trend //t.co/t7cVzLaU23 pic.twitter.com/AS0I0zSrhA
— ITV News (@itvnews) September 26, 2015 -
Security out in full force in Philly. They've called in Border Patrol, for example. #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/zhccQpREMJ
— Jaweed Kaleem (@jaweedkaleem) September 26, 2015 -
Crowds are out on the Ben Franklin parkway for the pope's parade. Getting a preview of his view. #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/5wZ7G11G6b
— Jaweed Kaleem (@jaweedkaleem) September 26, 2015 -
I just met the cutest mini-pope in all the world. #popeinphilly
A photo posted by Brian Hickey (@brianphickey) on
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1/2: Cardinal Dolan says Pope Francis asked to circle the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as he departed NYC in helicopter. #PopeInUS
— Melanie Grayce West (@MelanieGWest) September 26, 2015 -
2/2: Cardinal Dolan said Pope Francis was "very moved" at the sight of Statue of Liberty at daybreak. #PopeInNYC
— Melanie Grayce West (@MelanieGWest) September 26, 2015 -
He's here. #PopeinNYC #popeinmsg pic.twitter.com/3xW3OBH796
— Friends of Nativity (@NativityNYC) September 25, 2015 -
Smooth Henry Connick, Jr sings one of my praise jams ☺ "How Great Thou Art" #PopeinNYC #MSGMass pic.twitter.com/ANX4KwgTPJ
— Nicola_A_Menzie (@namenzie) September 25, 2015 -
#PopeFrancis' message to Catholic school students and immigrants in East Harlem. pic.twitter.com/s2oUeUvn5T
— HuffPost Religion (@HuffPostRelig) September 25, 2015 -
Pretty exciting day! Lots of crowds to see #PopeFrancis #PopeinNYC @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/oIrv3mDAKY
— Jeff Herzfeld (@jeffherzfeld) September 25, 2015 -
Ascension students and all of the Manhattan schools meet the Holy Father. We love you Holy Father! pic.twitter.com/Sq0nGk89ZS
— Ascension School (@Ascension_NYC) September 25, 2015 -
This picture of @Pontifex makes me think of the title of his encyclical: The JOY of the Gospel. #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/2JmEZuq5Vx
— Fr Matthew Schneider (@FrMatthewLC) September 25, 2015 -
@SocialinPhilly Annie cat in Fishtown is ready for #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/sAsEIPDk8d
— Patrice Bendig (@Patrice_Bendig) September 25, 2015 -
This shouldn't take too long. #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/oIJeQuXKZv
— Grant Gallicho (@gallicho) September 25, 2015 -
Serious crowds outside Madison Sq Garden, where pope celebrates Mass tonight, & serious security inside Penn Station pic.twitter.com/vKhw8srj1H
— Jaweed Kaleem (@jaweedkaleem) September 25, 2015 -
Two planes create a cross directly over the United Nations after @Pontifex's speech concludes. #PopeInNYC pic.twitter.com/YqwjabIypC
— Catherine Szeltner (@CatSzeltner) September 25, 2015 -
Pool via Getty ImagesPope Francis walks in the Historic Exhibiion hall of the 911 Museum Memorial with dignitaries including Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Former New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg and looks at a New Testament bible fragment found in debris of the South Tower on September 25, 2015 in New York City. -
Spencer Platt via Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Pope Francis pauses during a visit to Ground Zero on September 25, 2015 in New York City. Francis visited Ground Zero following his address at the United Nations. The interfaith prayer service will include Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs and Hindus. -
Pool via Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Pope Francis visits the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City and prays at 'Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning' by Spencer Finch on September 25, 2015 in New York City. Reposed behind this blue wall are the remains of many who perished at the World Trade Center site on September 11, 2001. -
Spencer Platt via Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Pope Francis enters Ground Zero on September 25, 2015 in New York City. Pope Francis visited Ground Zero following his address at the United Nations. The interfaith prayer service will include Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs and Hindus. The Pope will also meet with family members of victims who were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. -
Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: The 70th Regular Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 70) is to be held to discuss the full spectrum of international issues such as climate agreement, Daesh attacks, Syrian civil war, refugee crisis in the Mediterranean and Aegean sea on September 25, 2015 at UN headquarter in New York. On 25 September 2015, -
On his way to Manhattan from JFK. #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/wFYqSPUsTE
— Marc Santia (@MarcSantia4NY) September 24, 2015 -
Inside @StPatsNYC getting ready for @Pontifex #PopeInNYC pic.twitter.com/ROuiT1PRx1
— Father Michael Duffy (@MichaelDuffy) September 24, 2015 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: People take pictures in front of a road block on Fifth Avenue ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral on September 24, 2015 in New York City. Pope Francis will land at John F. Kennedy Airport after a two-day visit to Washington D.C. and will conduct a number of events while in New York including a motorcade through Central Park and Mass in Madison Square Garden. -
Pool via Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis greets people as he arrives to pray at St. Patrick's Church on September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC. Pope Francis is on a five-day trip to the United States, which includes stops in Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia, after a three-day stay in Cuba. St. Patrick's is the oldest Catholic parish in Washington. (Photo by Saul Loeb-Pool/Getty Images) -
Pool via Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis (2-R) pauses in front of a sculpture of Spanish-born Junipero Serra, the Franciscan Friar known for starting missions in California, in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol on September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC. Pope Francis is on a five-day trip to the USA, which includes stops in Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia, after a three-day stay in Cuba. -
Win McNamee via Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC. Pope Francis is the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress and will finish his tour of Washington later today before traveling to New York City. -
Mark Wilson via Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC. Pope Francis is the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress and will finish his tour of Washington later today before traveling to New York City. -
.@Pontifex rolling through my neighborhood a few minutes ago #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/4SAqN3mkXC
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) September 23, 2015 -
St Serra pray for us! Amen! #PopeInDC #PopeFrancis #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/I5TbjNisN1
— WYD English (@wyd_en) September 23, 2015 -
This girl is cute saying how much she loves @Pontifex. #PopeInUSA #PopeInDC #GoodIsWinning @popeishope pic.twitter.com/ZCM8YTtRBX
— Fr Matthew Schneider (@FrMatthewLC) September 23, 2015 -
$10 shirts for sale, plus bookmarks! pic.twitter.com/FzuBiNigMU
— Jaweed Kaleem (@jaweedkaleem) September 23, 2015 -
Anderson Mayorga & Cesar Lopez, both 10, share why they came to see the pope at the canonization Mass #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/blmeIBmCSG
— Jaweed Kaleem (@jaweedkaleem) September 24, 2015 -
Patricia Quiroz, 53, a Bolovian-American from Silver Spring, MD, says the Mass was "awesome" pic.twitter.com/cXe7hMz7EP
— Jaweed Kaleem (@jaweedkaleem) September 23, 2015 -
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty ImagesPeople pray while Pope Francis celebrates a Canonization Mass for Rev. JunÃpero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. Pope Francis is in the United State for 6 days during his first trip as the leader of the Catholic Church. AFP PHOTO/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) -
Thousands await Pope Francis to celebrate Mass and the canonization of Junipero Serra pic.twitter.com/yTYwdogkw9
— Jaweed Kaleem (@jaweedkaleem) September 23, 2015 -
#PopeInDC #PopeFrancis related moments near St Matthews Cathedral pic.twitter.com/DdtJgNgoDf
— Lauren Victoria (@LVBurke) September 23, 2015 -
.@Cardinal_Wuerl expresses sadness for @Pontifex that can't greet every bishop. Francis taps his watch! #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/OTaLBrUs1J
— Joshua McElwee (@joshjmac) September 23, 2015 -
Mark Wilson via Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: Pope Francis attends the Midday Prayer Service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. The Pope began his first trip to the United States at the White House followed by a visit to St. Matthew's Cathedral, and will then hold a Mass on the grounds of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) -
NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty ImagesPope Francis arrives at a midday prayer with US bishops at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC, on September 23, 2015 on the second day of his six-day visit to the US.. AFP PHOTO/NICHOLAS KAMM (Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images) -
Nuns are lining up for the Mass where Pope Francis will canonize Junipero Serra #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/XaHQ64gfgE
— Jaweed Kaleem (@jaweedkaleem) September 23, 2015 -
Vatican spokesman @TweetingPriest on controversy over Junipero Serra. Says Serra was not a perfect person #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/9IuRAU1nzW
— Jaweed Kaleem (@jaweedkaleem) September 23, 2015 -
Fr. Manny Dorantes, Vatican spokesman, on why Junipero Serra is becoming a saint @TweetingPriest pic.twitter.com/l22jvvUcp2
— Jaweed Kaleem (@jaweedkaleem) September 23, 2015 -
LIVE NOW: Papal Parade along the Ellipse and the National Mall. #PopeinDC //t.co/mcWpGpcAYU pic.twitter.com/4hcudnljci
— Catholic Courier (@CatholicCourier) September 23, 2015 -
Pope invokes MLK: We have defaulted on a promissory note & now is time to honor it. //t.co/GaSdmEv9xI #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/8vTMQ2ALVU
— CNN (@CNN) September 23, 2015 -
JIM WATSON via Getty ImagesPope Francis speaks during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, September 23, 2015. More than 15,000 people packed the South Lawn for a full ceremonial welcome on Pope Francis' historic maiden visit to the United States. AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) -
#PopeInDC refers to MartinLutherKing's famous quote, using it to say we have debt with nature and must now honor it pic.twitter.com/yDMsj15lqS
— Catholic News Svc (@CatholicNewsSvc) September 23, 2015 -
"#ClimateChange is a problem which can no longer be left to future generations." - #PopeFrancis. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/5uz306qAoL
— Catholic Relief (@CatholicRelief) September 23, 2015 -
"As son of an immigrant family, I'm happy to be guest in this county..largely built by such families" #PopeFrancis pic.twitter.com/gkQJPEGJEG
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) September 23, 2015 -
Welcoming #PopeFrancis to the US with the @peacecorpsconnect crew! #RPCVlife #PopeInDC
A photo posted by maricarmen. (@maricarmenmsm) on
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These women have a front row view of the parade after arriving at 3am for the 11am start! #PopeInDC #Faithful #fox25 pic.twitter.com/cq4r9Vuqdb
— Mark OckerbloomFox25 (@ocktalks) September 23, 2015 -
Arrival Ceremony of His Holiness Pope Francis pic.twitter.com/XqWbKHZNh5
— RDW (@TheGreatEsquire) September 23, 2015 -
Carmelites are ready to Welcome Pope Francis #PopeInDC #PopeInUSA @SalpointeLancer @USCCB pic.twitter.com/99iVXL1DOY
— The Nepster (@BroNepi) September 23, 2015 -
"The Pope gives me climate hope" #popeindc
A photo posted by Banafsheh Ghassemi بنفشه قاسمی (@iambanafsheh) on
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VINCENZO PINTO via Getty ImagesUS Secretary of State (C) greets clergy as US Vice President Joe Biden (R) looks on before the arrival of Pope Francis at the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington,DC. President Barack Obama will host Pope Francis at the White House for the first time Wednesday, warmly embracing the Catholic pontiff seen as both a moral authority and potent political ally. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) -
Moments away from Pope Francis's arrival at the Vatican embassy! @CatholicTV @BUNewsService pic.twitter.com/v7ZD9kbOYN
— Justin Soto (@SotoReports) September 22, 2015 -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty ImagesJOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Pope Francis waves from the back of his Fiat after arriving from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) -
Pool via Getty ImagesJOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: (AFP OUT) Pope Francis departs in a Fiat after arriving from Cuba to the United States September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as Pope. (Photo by Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images) -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty ImagesJOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Supporters cheer for Pope Francis after he arrived from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as Pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty ImagesJOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: (EDITORS NOTE: Retransmission with alternate crop) Pope Francis (L) is escorted by U.S. President Barack Obama as he greets and other political and Catholic church leaders after arriving from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as Pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) -
SAUL LOEB via Getty ImagesPope Francis greets children alongside US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, September 22, 2015, on the start of a 3-day trip to Washington. AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images) -
SAUL LOEB via Getty ImagesPope Francis (L) walks alongside US President Barack Obama (C) and US First Lady Michelle Obama (R) upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, September 22, 2015, on the start of a 3-day trip to Washington. AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images) -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty ImagesJOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Pope Francis shakes hands with Vice President Joe Biden along with U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and other political and Catholic church leaders after arriving from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as Pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty ImagesJOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Pope Francis shakes hands with Vice President Joe Biden along with U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and other political and Catholic church leaders after arriving from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as Pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) -
Aterrizo el avión del Papa Francisco lo esperan @BarackObama y estudiantes en Maryland #PopeInDC @NY1noticias pic.twitter.com/BCVoYEVDd1
— Fabiola Galindo (@FabiGalindo) September 22, 2015 -
AFP/Getty ImagesPope Francis steps off his plane at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, September 22, 2015, on the start of a 3-day trip to Washington. Pope Francis arrived in the United States on Tuesday for his first-ever visit, a trip that will include a meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama and a speech to Congress. AFP PHOTO/MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) -
The Pope is here! #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/ZeXbgniEnU
— Father Manny Alvarez (@FrManny) September 22, 2015 -
It's grey and windy today, but tomorrow will be September weather perfection. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/ZslyyiDX2U
— Angela Fritz (@angelafritz) September 22, 2015 -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty ImagesJOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Members of the Army's 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, or The Old Guard, roll out the red carpet for Pope Francis ahead of his arrival from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The Pontiff will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) -
#Catholic cardinal and bishops lining up to receive #PopeFrancis. #PopeInUS #PopeInDC #NDpope pic.twitter.com/nqNybPrikJ
— Víctor Manuel Ramos (@vmramos) September 22, 2015 -
MANDEL NGAN via Getty ImagesPope Francis arrives at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, September 22, 2015, on the start of a 3-day trip to Washington. Pope Francis arrived in the United States on Tuesday for his first-ever visit, a trip that will include a meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama and a speech to Congress. AFP PHOTO/MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty ImagesJOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Pope Francis arrives to the United States from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) -
He's here!!! #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/FuBKWIOwAT
— Maureen Clark (@Maureen_E_Clark) September 22, 2015 -
The plane is landing! #CUAlovesthePope! #PopeinDC pic.twitter.com/dXFzdTrcsJ
— CUA Alumni (@CUAalumni) September 22, 2015 -
We're getting ready for the #PopeInDC here at #AndrewsAFB pic.twitter.com/KuXHBDp5v1
— Hyatt Washington DC (@hyattwashington) September 22, 2015 -
Look at that joy! @Pontifex, we can't wait to welcome you! #PopeInDC #WalkwithFrancis pic.twitter.com/LQ791pojVE
— DC Archdiocese (@WashArchdiocese) September 22, 2015 -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty ImagesJOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Banners celebrating the visit of Pope Francis are hung ahead of his arrival from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The Pontiff will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
