THE ARRIVAL

Once the Pope's limousine came to a stop
everyone strained to get a picture of the
historic moment.

The President and Mrs. Bush greeted the Holy Father,
then guided him to meet Condoleezza with whom
he had met previously and whom he seemed
genuinely happy to see once again.

The Pope then greeted Mrs. Pelosi and
the Vice President and Mrs. Cheney.

The greetings over, the President then escorted
the Holy Father to the podium.

The podium was on a raised platform
in the center of the South Lawn, offering a
dramatic view of the White House as backdrop.

As the President and the Pope stood together
on the platform, the crowd offered their
applause and shouts of
"viva Papa!"

I think my favorite photos are the two at left, with these
two men standing together.

In different ways they represent tremendous power.
But each is comfortable with the role he
carries at this moment in history.
And it was apparent that they enjoyed
being in each other's company.

The Ceremony began with the playing of the Vatican's
National Anthem - and a 21-gun salute, and that was
followed by our own Star Spangled Banner.

Then came other activities -
notably a marching band playing a medley of
pieces from American history.

The Holy Father enjoyed the music
and the warm welcome of the assembled crowd.