U.S. President Barack Obama bowed as he greeted Pope Francis upon his arrive at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington D.C. today.

The 78-year-old Pope shook Obama’s hand, then he shook hands with the First Lady Michelle Obama and the couple’s children Malia, 17, and Sasha, 14.

The Pontiff greeted invited guests including a group of school children. The wildly enthusiastic public was kept at a respectful distance from the Pope and the first family.

The Pope will rest today, then he will visit the sick and the informed before joining the first family at the White House and meeting with members of Congress.

The Pope visited U.S. after traveling to Cuba.