Watch live coverage here: Pope arrives in DC
With President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and their wives on hand ready to greet him, Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive at Joint Base Andrews at 3 p.m. for the beginning of a three-day visit in Washington D.C.
The pontiff departed Cuba slightly earlier than expected Tuesday afternoon after spending the last four days in the Caribbean island nation.
The nation’s capital is the first leg of the three-city trip in the United States for the pontiff.
Pope Francis is scheduled to officially meet with President Obama at the White House on Wednesday. He will also hold mass outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and address Congress during his D.C. visit.
Francis will then depart for New York on Thursday afternoon where he is scheduled to speak at the United Nations. He will end his U.S. trip in Philadelphia where he will attend a Vatican conference on families.
Pope Francis’ Itinerary
Tuesday, September 22
4:00 p.m. - Arrival in Washington, D.C
Pope Francis arrives at Joint Base Andrews and is greeted by President Obama and Vice President Biden.
Wednesday, September 23
9:15 a.m. - White House Welcoming Ceremony
White House South Lawn arrival ceremony where he will officially meet President Obama
11:00 a.m. - Papal Parade in Washington D.C.
Free and open to the public on a first-come first-serve basis. Spectators will need to pass through security
11:31 a.m. - Midday Prayer With U.S. Bishops at St. Matthew’s Cathedral
Pope Francis will pray the midday prayer with U.S. bishops at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in D.C.
4:15 p.m. - Junipero Serra Canonization Mass at Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Pope Francis will celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Thursday, September 24
9:20 a.m. - Address to Joint Meeting of Congress
Pope Francis will give a speech to the Joint-Meeting of Congress (both the Senate and House of Representatives).
11:01 a.m. - Appearance at West Front of the Capitol
A brief public appearance on the West Front of the Capitol depending on his schedule after his speech to Congress.
11:15 a.m. - Visit to St. Patrick’s Church and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
A blessing and remarks to the clients and homeless gathered at lunchtime for the St. Maria Meals Program of the Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Washington.
4:00 p.m. - Departure For New York City
Following his visit to St. Patrick’s church, Pope Francis will depart at 4 p.m. from the Joint Base Andrews for New York City.