Here's the moment when Pope Francis met Obama to start his historic US visit

Pope Francis has touched down in the US for a six-day sweep through Washington, New York, and Philadelphia.

President Barack Obama, along with a flurry of officials, greeted the pope at Joint Base Andrews.

Here's the moment:

 The White House will host Pope Francis on Wednesday, and the pontiff is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on Thursday before he heads to New York.

Here are more photos of his arrival:

AP

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet Pope Francis upon his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Md

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

President Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis to the United States upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington

REUTERS/Tony Gentile

President Barack Obama (C) welcomes Pope Francis to the United States upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington