Pope starts US trip

Pope Francis launched his first visit to the United States with a characteristic gesture of humility on Tuesday, and sent a conciliatory message to the world's wealthiest nation about his frequent criticism of capitalism.

US President Barack Obama (R) welcomes Pope Francis at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland for the pontiff's first arrival to the United States September 22, 2015. Reuters/Kevin Lamarque
US President Barack Obama (R) welcomes Pope Francis at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland for the pontiff's first arrival to the United States September 22, 2015. Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

After a red carpet welcome by President Barack Obama at an air base near the capital, the 78-year-old Argentine headed off to Washington.

Obama, his family and Vice President Joe Biden greeted the pope in an honor given to few foreign dignitaries.

The six-day visit to America gives Francis a chance to showcase some of his favorite themes like compassion and simplicity in the world's most powerful country.

Francis will give the first speech by any pope to the US Congress on Thursday, an address to the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday and an open-air Mass in Philadelphia where 1.5 million people are expected to attend.