First of many

News about Pope Benedict's remarks to journalists aboard the papal flight yesterday from Rome to Andrews Airforce Base has hit the local media, as expected. Today it's on to business as usual.

After having rested from his transatlantic flight yesterday, His Holiness begins the business part of his six-day visit to the United States today. There are two major events planned. First he will pay a visit to President Bush at the Whitehouse (at 10:30 this morning), where a lavish welcome is planned. Since the Holy Father is considered a Head of State, this is the official part of his visit to the political arm of the country.

The public will be able to see His Holiness as he leaves the Whitehouse this morning and travels along a planned parade route as he returns to the Apostolic Nuncature on Massachusetts Avenue.

For his part, President Bush was on hand to greet the pope when he arrived yesterday afternoon at Andrews Airforce Base, but that was not the time for speeches - those will be delivered today. Live television feeds are being carried on the website of the USCCB.

At 5:30 this afternoon, the Holy Father will greet the bishops of the United States at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where they will together pray Vespers (Evening Prayer).