WASHINGTON (AP) – Huge crowds of admirers and fans gave Pope Francis an enthusiastic reception in the nation’s capital on Wednesday, beginning with the thousands who packed the South Lawn of the White House.
President Barack Obama welcomed Pope Francis to the White House. He said the excitement in the air stemmed not only from his role as pope, but that people also saw a leader whose moral authority came through deeds as well as words. The clear blue sky and mild temperatures reinforced Obama’s first words: “Good morning. What a beautiful day the Lord has made!”
Pope Francis asked Americans to support efforts to help the world’s most vulnerable people and said it’s clear to him that climate change is a problem that can no longer be left to a future generation.
The two leaders also spoke in the Oval Office for about 40 minutes in what the White House described as a private conversation.
And then the pope was off to visit with the masses. Cheering crowds jammed the parade route along Constitution Avenue as Francis later made a leisurely loop around the streets near the White House. He paused twice to have babies brought to him, and he kissed them on the head.