Vatican, Mar. 17, 2008 (CWNews.com) - The Vatican has released a detailed schedule for the visit by Pope Benedict XVI to the United States, from April 15 to 20.

Leaving Rome's Riumicio airport at midday on Tuesday, April 15, the Holy Father will arrive at Andrews Air Force Base, outside Washington, and be greeted there by President George W. Bush late Tuesday afternoon.

On Wednesday morning, April 16, the Pontiff will be more formally welcomed by President Bush at the White House. In the afternoon he will lead a Vespers service at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, then meet with the American bishops assembled there.

On Thursday morning, April 17, the Holy Father will celebrate Mass at Washington's baseball stadium. In the afternoon he will visit the Catholic University of America, to address leaders of Catholic institutes of higher education. That evening he will meet with leaders of other religious traditions, at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center.

On Friday, April 18, the Pope will fly to New York, where he will address the UN General Assembly. He will address an ecumenical meeting that evening.

On Saturday morning, April 19, the Pope will celebrate Mass with priests and religious of the New York archdiocese at St. Patrick's cathedral. After lunch with the bishops of the archdiocese, he will visit St. Joseph's seminary for a meeting with candidates for the priesthood. On Sunday, April 20, the Pope will begin his public activities with a visit to pray in silence at the "Ground Zero" memorial to the victims of the 9-11 terrorist attack. That afternoon he will celebrate Mass in Yankee Stadium. The Pope's return flight to Rome will leave New York on Sunday evening, April 20, arriving at Ciampano airport at 10:45 on Monday, April 21.