U.S. President Barack Obama has welcomed Pope Francis I to the White House, the start of a busy and historic visit to the United States.
Pope Francis is bringing a message of compassion for the poor and the need to address climate change during his stops in Washington, New York and Philadelphia.
Our Washington correspondent Priscilla Huff reports:
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There wasn't a cloud in the sky as thousands gathered on the south lawn of the White House to watch the little black Fiat carrying Pope Francis the First arrive for a special welcome ceremony led by U.S. President Barack Obama.
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"You remind us that "the Lord's most powerful message" is mercy. That means welcoming the stranger with empathy and a truly open heart - from the refugee who flees war torn lands, to the immigrant who leaves home in search of a better life."
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Across Washington DC, people waited for hours, just to catch a glimpse of the man called wonderful and inspiring.
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(SOUTH AFRICAN LADY)
"Just the things he's done world-wide. It's fantastic, I mean, he's breaking boundaries every day between people and groups, AMAZING! I am honored and priviledged to be here today, and I hope he comes to South Africa!"
(AMERICAN LADY)
"A breath of fresh air! The windows from Vatican 2 which have been closed for so long are now open again. It's very exciting. Pope Francis sees the eyes of the church through a poor marginalized country and he's very much into the poor, he's very much into peace very much into creation, it's all good! We all need to work together in this world."
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At St. Matthews Cathedral, Pope Francis spoke to American bishops about the child sex abuse scandal and looking to the future.
He will bring a specific message to the U.S. Congress, one that's won a lot of praise.
Eric LeCompte is executive director of Jubilee USA Network - which works on debt, poverty and development issues.
TAKE CLIP ERIC LECOMPTE
"Because he has put the emphasis on people's needs, on economic needs on jobs, on poor people and by doing that he's gained the affection, support and respect of people from all over the world and not only Catholics, people who don't practice religion as well as every religious group."
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Pope Francis made history at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the first canonization ceremony held on American soil for Father Juniperro Serra, who brought the Catholic faith to California.
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"Mission is always the fruit of a life which knows what it is to be found and healed, encountered and forgiven.:
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After addressing the U.S. Congress,
Pope Francis travels to New York and the United Nations,
and then its onto Philadelphia, and a full mass with thousands at the World Meeting of families.
Priscilla Huff, Washington"
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