Faithful Uplifted by Glimpse of Pope

WASHINGTON — From crowded sidewalks to a presidential podium, Americans welcomed Pope Benedict XVI to the nation's capital Wednesday with reverence, revelry and two renditions of "Happy Birthday."

"We welcome you with the ancient words commended by St. Augustine: Pax tecum; peace be with you," President Bush said at a joyful White House ceremony.

But it was a day for ordinary folks as well as high officials of government and church.

As the pontiff passed by in his Popemobile, Colette Girouard of Austin, Texas, said she felt "like I melted into the concrete in a little puddle."

"He was giving his little blessings and waving and to be so close to him was an awesome experience," said Girouard. "Your faith just bubbles up to the surface at times like these. ... I've probably got a little glow around me now."

The pope's first full day of his initial trip to America since being becoming the spiritual leader of the world's Roman Catholics was a mixture of ceremony and faith.

In the morning, the white-haired pontiff was serenaded by about 13,500 invited guests on the South Lawn of the White House to mark his turning 81.

It was only the second time a pope has visited the official presidential home. The other time was in 1979 when Pope John Paul II visited then-President Jimmy Carter.

Bush told Benedict, "You've chosen to visit America on your birthday. Well, birthdays are traditionally spent with close friends, so our entire nation is moved and honored that you have decided to share this special day with us."

The pope responded "America has traditionally shown herself generous in meeting immediate human needs, fostering development, and offering relief to the victims of natural catastrophes. I am confident that this concern for the greater human family will continue to find expression and support for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress.

"God Bless America," he said.

"This was the first pope I've seen in person," Georgia State Rep. Calvin Smyre said. "It was an awesome experience."

The Democratic legislator from Columbus attended the White House welcome as president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.

"I was blessed to be able to witness such a ceremony," said Smyre, a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He said he was inspired by the Pope's words.

"Spirituality inspires us through it all," he said. It was "very touching" to hear the words about "doing good works, providing for your fellow man, and also (showing) tolerance."

The White House grounds and city sidewalks were alive with color and excitement as smiling people waved American flags and Catholic banners.

Cynthia Colbert, executive director of Catholic Charities of Central Texas, watched on the South Lawn, where the red, white and blue mingled with the Vatican's yellow and white.

"It was a wonderful experience and truly a blessing to be able to be at the White House for the Holy Father's arrival," said Colbert. "The crowd was beyond excited. It was a great gathering of Catholics from across the country."

The theme of the pope's visit to the United States, which moves to New York City on Friday, is "Christ Our Hope," and Bush embraced the theme.

"Most of all, Holy Father, you will find in America people whose hearts are open to your message of hope. And America and the world need this message," he said.

Bush, who shares the pope's views on many social issues such as abortion and stem-cell research, said the visit was a reminder for Americans to "distinguish between simple right and wrong."

The pope praised the religious roots and spirit of his host country.

"As I begin my visit I trust that my presence will be a source of renewal and hope for the church in the United States and strengthens the resolve of Catholics to contribute even more responsibly to the life of this nation of which they are proud to be citizens," he said.

"From the dawn of the republic, America's quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator."

After the welcoming ceremony, Bush and first lady Laura Bush took Benedict inside for cake and talks in the Oval Office. When the pontiff departed, it was in a long motorcade featuring the white Mercedes Popemobile.

People danced and rattled tambourines and held homemade signs with messages like "We Love You Pope of Hope."

There were a few critics, however, including some who accused the Catholic Church of protecting pedophile priests. One banner read, "100,000 sexually abused kids in the U.S."

In the evening, the first family was hosting a formal dinner to honor the pope, but the pontiff himself did not plan to attend. He had a meeting with U.S. bishops at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

This article includes material from the Associated Press.