WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A smiling Pope Benedict XVI arrived in the United States on Tuesday afternoon to start the six-day, two-city journey that will take him from the White House to the halls of the United Nations. The papal plane, Shepherd 1, touched down at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to cheers from a crowd of invited guests gathered for the event. After he stepped off the plane, Benedict did not kiss the ground, as his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, often did during visits. The pontiff was greeted by President Bush, first lady Laura Bush and their daughter Jenna, each of whom shook his hand. Watch the arrival »
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NEW: Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Washington for six-day U.S. visit
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NEW: President Bush, first lady Laura Bush and daughter Jenna greet pontiff
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Security tight for first papal visit since September 11 attacks
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Benedict will also visit New York; will celebrate Mass in both cities
Mass
Twenty-seven state, local and federal agencies will protect the pope as he meets with religious leaders, celebrates @placeholder at a baseball stadium and makes his way around the capital in his distinctive "popemobile."
John Paul II
"He's not the sexy media icon that @placeholder was, but what they've seen, by and large, they've liked."