Pope Francis welcomed to White House, celebrates canonization Mass
WASHINGTON (WLS) -- Pope Francis began his first full day in the United States with a special ceremony at the White House, followed by a parade through Washington's streets and a canonization Mass for an American saint.
PHOTOS: Pope Francis in the United States
Thousands packed the White House South Lawn on Wednesday for a welcome ceremony complete with a pipe and drum corps - but no gun salute - out of deference to the pope's message of peace. In typical fashion, Pope Francis arrived in his simple Fiat for an elaborate ceremony.
"What a beautiful day the Lord has made! Holy Father, on behalf of Michelle and myself, welcome to the White House," President Barack Obama said.
"As the son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families," Pope Francis said.
VIDEO: Pope Francis welcomed at White House
The pope brought up the topic of immigration in the context of his own personal history. In a short 10-minute speech, he touched on the themes he'll emphasize on this trip, saying that he's here to support the institutions of marriage and the family, then adding that "American Catholics are committed to building a society which is truly tolerant and inclusive." Both leaders also spoke of environmental issues.
"Holy Father, you remind us that we have a sacred obligation to protect our planet," Obama said.
Pope Francis used the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, saying, "we can say that we have defaulted on a promissory note and now is the time to honor it."
VIDEO: Chicagoans in Washington to see Pope Francis
Many Chicagoans were in Washington to see and hear the pope in person.
"Being able to see him in action and see this huge crowd react to him, it was so moving in a way that I couldn't even imagine," said Katherine Hickey, a Glencoe native.
"It was fantastic to see, and you know, it was a sense of spirituality that came over me that I've never had before. It was pretty fantastic," said Joe Cavello, of Naperville.
"It's a historic moment. This pope has obviously been a transformative figure. To see him with this president was a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Jack Theis, of Chicago.
POPE CHEERED ON PARADE ROUTE, BLESSES CHILDREN
Throughout his first full day in the U.S., Francis was greeted by enthusiastic crowds on his motorcade routes.
After an Oval Office meeting with President Obama, Pope Francis left the White House to parade through some of the Washington streets.
In a spontaneous moment, a 5-year-old girl ran out into the street to greet Pope Francis. Even though the Secret Service initially stopped Sophie Cruz, Pope Francis waved her over where she gave him a letter she wrote to him and he blessed her.
Later, when he arrived back at the papal residence, he stopped and blessed several disabled children before heading inside and had a little downtime before celebrating Mass.
VIDEO: Pope Francis canonized first saint on US soil
In the first canonization on U.S. soil, Pope Francis named a new saint at a Mass outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
There was controversy over the choice of Junipero Serra - an 18th century Spanish missionary to California - amid questions over his treatment of indigenous people.
"This does not mean that the man was perfect. The Church doesn't say that about any of the saints. Saints are sinners, who because of God's grace, have became saints," said Fr. Manuel Dorantes, assistant Vatican spokesperson.
Father Jack Wall, president of the Chicago-based Catholic Extension, earlier took the new saint's personal cross to be blessed by Pope Francis.
"He really was a person trying to bring this sense of the dignity of the human person and what the Gospel speaks to about that in terms of the sacredness of each one of our lives," said Fr. Wall.
On Thursday, Pope Francis will address a joint meeting of Congress - the first time a pope has ever done so.
Stay with ABC7 Eyewitness News for continuing coverage of Pope Francis' visit to the United States. Alan Krashesky and Tanja Babich will be reporting live from Washington, New York and Philadelphia all week.
