WHITE HOUSE (AP) -- An elaborate ceremony awaits Pope Benedict at the White House today, complete with the American and Vatican anthems and a 21-gun salute.

Thousands are expected to greet the pontiff on his 81st birthday.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino says President Bush will tell Benedict millions of people in this country have prayed for his visit. And she says Bush will tell him the U.S. is a nation of prayer that welcomes the faithful.

During his flight to the U.S yesterday, the pontiff told reporters he'd like to talk with Bush about reform of U.S. immigration laws. Human rights and religious tolerance are also high on his agenda.

Benedict also said during his flight he is "deeply ashamed" of the clergy sex-abuse scandal. He pledged that pedophiles will not be priests in the Catholic Church.

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