WHITE HOUSE (AP) -- President Bush does something today he's never done for any other world leader on a visit to the U.S. He's greeting him at the airport.

Bush will travel to Andrews Air Force Base outside the nation's capital to welcome Pope Benedict, who arrives this afternoon for his first U.S visit as pontiff.

Press Secretary Dana Perino says Bush "has established a bond" with Benedict and they "share a lot of common values" including an opposition to tyranny and abortion.

Tomorrow, Benedict becomes just the second pontiff to visit the White House. There will be a papal Mass in Washington on Thursday.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)