Benedictus, qui venit in nomine Domini

Benedict XVI sets foot on American soil at Andrews Base, belonging to the United States Air Force, marking the beginning of his seven-day Apostolic Journey to the USA, April 15, 2008. The Holy Father is dressed in the traditional white zimarra, a cassock with double sleeves, fastened with buttons at the shoulder, covered by a cape (pellegrina), and cinctured with a silk moire sash, adorned with gold fringe at the hem and a coat of arms set within a laurel wreath. The ensemble is completed by the red leather shoes with black soles, so characteristic of this Pope.