In September 2015, Pope Francis made a monumental visit to Washington, D.C., marking the third time a sitting pope had graced the White House since 1979.
The pope arrived on the afternoon of September 22, where he received a warm welcome from President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia.
This visit followed Francis’ previous encounter with Obama in the Vatican just a year prior, demonstrating the strong bond between the Vatican and the Obama administration.
As Francis touched down at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, he was greeted by a red carpet and a jubilant crowd, reflecting the excitement surrounding his visit.
Obama expressed his joy, saying, “Your Holiness, it’s so nice to see you. Welcome. We’re so glad to have you here in the United States.”
This event was framed as one of the largest state arrival ceremonies of Obama’s presidency, showcasing the significance of the moment.
The following day, September 23, the Pope entered the White House grounds, where he was welcomed by Obama once more.
“What a beautiful day the Lord has made. Holy Father, on behalf of Michelle and myself, welcome to the White House,” Obama stated on the South Lawn.
He humorously noted that the day’s gathering was unusually large for the typically tranquil backyard, symbolizing the Pope’s widespread appeal, particularly among American Catholics.
Obama described Francis as gentle and humble, emphasizing that the turnout was a testament to the Pope’s message of love and hope that has resonated with countless people.
In his address to the crowd, Francis shared his pride in being in America, saying, “As a son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families.”
Following the public remarks, a private meeting occurred between Francis and Obama in the Oval Office.
Before departing, the Pope took a moment to meet the Obamas’ family dogs, Bo and Sunny, showcasing a personal touch to the formalities of the day.
After waving goodbye from the popemobile, Francis addressed a historic joint session of Congress on September 24, becoming the first pope ever to do so.
This speech captured the attention of many, with the streets of New York City filled with crowds eagerly anticipating his presence following his departure from Washington.
During his congressional address, Francis spoke to the challenges facing many people, stating, “For many … a future filled with countless possibilities beckons, yet so many others seem disoriented and aimless, trapped in a hopeless maze of violence, abuse and despair. Their problems are our problems. We cannot avoid them.”
He underscored the responsibility that lies in the hands of the nation to address these pressing issues.
The Pope referenced several prominent figures in American history, stating, “A nation can be considered great when it defends liberty as Lincoln did, when it fosters a culture which enables people to ‘dream’ of full rights for all their brothers and sisters, as Martin Luther King sought to do; when it strives for justice and the cause of the oppressed, as Dorothy Day did by her tireless work, the fruit of a faith which becomes dialogue and sows peace in the contemplative style of Thomas Merton.”
In reflecting on American heritage, he expressed his hope that the nation’s spirit of progress and inclusivity would continue to evolve, ensuring that future generations inherit a society that empowers dreams.
Pope Francis’ visit to the White House exemplified a significant moment in his papacy, marked by meaningful exchanges and historical firsts.
As the world mourns his passing, the memories of his visit in 2015 serve as a powerful reminder of his enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on faith and social issues during his time as a leader of the Catholic Church.
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