Today, which is also the Pope's 81st birthday, Benedict XVI will visit the White House and more than 9,000 people are expected to attend. This makes it "one of the largest arrival ceremonies ever held at the White House," according to White House Press Secretary Dana Perino.
Later, the Pope will meet with US bishops at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. He is expected to address the bishops about sexual abuse by the clergy, which the Pope said had made him "deeply ashamed." The US Catholic Church has paid out an estimated US$2 billion to settle abuse cases in recent years.
During his flight to the United States, Benedict XVI told reporters that he intended to discuss poverty and development aid to poor countries with President Bush. "The United States has to help these countries develop. It is in the interest of everyone, not only these countries but of the world and particularly of the United States," he said.
This is the first Papal visit to the United States by Benedict XVI, and the first visit of a Pope to the U.S. since John Paul II's visit in 1999. The pope scheduled to stay in Washington through Thursday. After that, he will travel to New York City where he plans to address the United Nations, visit the World Trade Center site, and celebrate Mass at Yankee Stadium.