In pictures: Pope Benedict in US

Pope Benedict's jet comes in to land at Andrews Air Force Base

Pope Benedict XVI flew into Andrews Air Force Base, near Washington, as he began his first visit to the US as pontiff.

The Pope's jet sports US and Vatican flags

His aircraft was adorned with US and Vatican flags for the occasion.

Pope Benedict walks off in the company of George W Bush and the US leader's daughter, Jenna

In an unprecedented move, President George W Bush was there in person to meet the head of the Catholic Church.

Pope Benedict meets clergy at the air base

There were, of course, traditional kisses of the Pope's Fisherman's Ring from clerics.

The Pope enters his limousine to leave Andrews Air Force Base

A flash of colour... one of the Pope's distinctive red shoes is glimpsed as he enters his limousine to leave the air base.

The Pope's limousine leaves Andrews Air Force Base

The pontiff's trip will see visits to the United Nations and Ground Zero in New York.