Bush greets Pope Benedict XVI amid cheers

WASHINGTON, April 15 (UPI) -- Shepherd One, the airplane carrying Pope Benedict XVI and his entourage, landed at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, Tuesday under sunny skies.

Waiting to greet him at the base of the stairs on the tarmac was President George Bush and his wife, Laura, and their daughter, Jenna. It was the first time any president greeted a dignitary or head of state at Andrews, CNN reported.

The pope, dressed in white robes, smiled and waved to the cheering crowd as he descended from the plane. He and Bush clasped hands, and Bush bowed, before introducing the pope to Laura and Jena Bush. The Bushes and Pope Benedict went into a VIP area at Andrews.

Papal and American flags flew above the cockpit of the Alitalia jetliner.

Pope Benedict XVI will participate in an official welcoming ceremony Wednesday on the White House's South Lawn. Crowds are expected to be between 9,000 and 12,000. The pope also celebrates his 81st birthday Wednesday.

The White House will be the site of a dinner in honor of the pope's visit, although the pontiff will not attend.

The pope will address the United Nations later this week.