WASHINGTON (AP) – The latest developments in Pope Francis’ visit to the United States. All times local:
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6:30 a.m.
As a head of state, Pope Francis officially is in the U.S. on what’s known as a “state visit.”
But the formal ceremony Wednesday morning on the White House South Lawn will be slightly different from most state arrival ceremonies.
For one thing, President Barack Obama and Francis will not review the troops, as presidents do with other visiting leaders. That’s because the pontiff controls no armed forces.
Nor will Francis return to the White House in the evening as the guest at a lavish state dinner, one of the highlights of most state visits.
That’s largely because of Francis’ busy schedule.
The pontiff is spending the rest of the day with Roman Catholic bishops and other church officials and celebrating Mass at Catholic University.