Pope Francis has made his first ever visit to the United States on September 22nd, beginning in Washington D.C.  Since his papal selection, Pope Francis has proven to be a popular figure, among the Catholics and non-Catholics of the world. His teachings transcend religion, appealing to a wide-range of people.

The Pope arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on September 22nd, which was followed by a welcoming ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House. On this two day visit, Pope Francis made appearances at various basilicas and cathedrals in the D.C. area. Also, in typical “people’s pope” fashion, Pope Francis visited the Catholic Charities of D.C., to meet and talk to many of the areas most impoverished and sick people.

On September 24th, Pope Francis arrived at Kennedy International Airport in New York City, where hundreds greeted him. Soon after, Pope Francis was flown, by helicopter, to Downtown Manhattan Heliport. His first day in the Big Apple concluded with an evening prayer at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue, a mass that was attended by more than a thousand people. On Friday September 25, the Pope will make a visit to the United Nations, where he will meet with various global leaders. Afterwards, The Pope will visit the National September 11th Memorial and Museum, where he will attend a multi faith service and meet with the families of 9/11 victims. The Pope’s charitable event of the day will take place at Our Lady Queen of Angel’s School in East Harlem, where he will meet with third and fourth graders. At 5 P.M., Francis will make a procession through Central Park, where tens of thousands are expected to view his passing motorcade. The day will conclude with a mass at Madison Square Garden. 20,000 people are expected to attend.

On September 26th, Pope Francis will arrive at Atlantic Aviation in Philadelphia, the final city on his American tour. At 10:30 AM, the Pope will attend a mass at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Later on in the day, Pope Francis will make a speech at Independence Hall. September 27th will be the Pope’s final day in the United States. At 9:15 AM, The Pope will meet with hundreds of bishops at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. At 11 AM, he will visit the largest prison in Philadelphia, Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. The grand culmination of the Pope’s long awaited American visit will be an appearance at the World Meeting of Families on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. More than a million are expected to attend this event.