Pomp and protocol await Pope Francis on White House visit

WASHINGTON (AP) — When Pope Francis arrives in the United States, he will get an airport welcome that few world leaders have ever received: a plane-side greeting from President Barack Obama.

The extraordinary gesture on Sept. 22 is just the beginning of the pomp and protocol that Washington will put on display to welcome the popular leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics and the head of Vatican City on his first U.S. visit.

The next day, Francis will be just the third pope to visit the White House, being greeted as most heads of state are, with his car pulling slowly up the South Lawn's driveway to the spot where a red carpet will be rolled out and Obama and his wife, Michelle, will be waiting.

Despite differences over abortion, the two have found common ground on such issues as U.S. policy toward Cuba and Iran, climate change, and poverty and income inequality.

Shortly after he arrives on the South Lawn, the anthems of the U.S. and the Vatican will play following military honors that include a 21-gun salute and band members dressed in colonial garb.

While a handshake is considered an appropriate way to greet Francis, Catholics have the option of kissing the gold ring the pope wears on his right hand, according to the State Department protocol office.

More than 13,500 people who were invited to the South Lawn for the official welcoming ceremony, one of the largest crowds ever put together by the White House, sang "Happy Birthday" twice to the German-born pope.