Papal Visits to the United States

Pope Francis arrived in Washington, DC yesterday to begin a six-day visit to the United States. This morning, the White House hosted a welcoming ceremony for the Pope on the South Lawn of the White House, and on Thursday, the Pope will address members of Congress.

Pope Francis arrives in D.C. at Joint Base Andrews, 9/22/15. Photo courtesy of the White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/campaign/pope-visit

This is not the first time the Pope has visited Washington, DC. In fact, his visit this week marks the 10th time a Pope has visited the United States.

Since the Federal Government is heavily involved in a Papal visit, the National Archives holds many documents and photographs related to these events.

In honor of the Pope Francis’ visit, here are some records related to previous Papal visits to the United States:

President Jimmy Carter’s handwritten notes on meeting with Pope John Paul II during his first visit to the White House, October 6, 1979. (National Archives Identifier 6207614) — President Jimmy Carter’s handwritten notes on meeting with Pope John Paul II during his first visit to the White House, October 6, 1979. National Archives Identifier 6207614

Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Hollis R. Huvar, 75th Military Airlift Squadron, guides the Popemobile onto a C-5A Galaxy aircraft during Volant Silver, a joint Military Airlift Command/Secret Service operation coordinating vehicle transportation and Secret Service protection for Pope John Paul II while he visits the United States, 09/10/1987. National Archives Identifier 6427134.. — Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Hollis R. Huvar, 75th Military Airlift Squadron, guides the Popemobile onto a C-5A Galaxy aircraft during Volant Silver, a joint Military Airlift Command/Secret Service operation coordinating vehicle transportation and Secret Service protection for Pope John Paul II while he visits the United States, 09/10/1987. National Archives Identifier 6427134

Photograph of President William J. Clinton and Pope John Paul II in front of a crowd at Denver’s Stapleton International Airport during the Pope’s fifth visit to the U.S., August 12, 1993. The Pope was in the U.S. for World Youth Day. (National Archives Identifier 3172769) — Photograph of President William J. Clinton and Pope John Paul II in front of a crowd at Denver’s Stapleton International Airport during the Pope’s fifth visit to the U.S., August 12, 1993. The Pope was in the U.S. for World Youth Day. National Archives Identifier 3172769

President George W. Bush and Laura Bush Greet Pope Benedict XVI on His Arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, 04/15/2008. National Archives Identifier 7582808

Pope Benedict XVI in the Popemobile outside the White House. 4/16/08