Washington, September 23 (RHC)-- U.S. President Barack Obama thanked Pope Francis for his help in reestablishing diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba. During the official welcoming ceremony at the White House on Wednesday morning, the U.S. president expressed his appreciation for the Pope's efforts to begin a new phase of dialogue and cooperation with Cuba.

In his opening remarks at the White House, the Pontiff called for the urgent need to face problems of climate change and the necessity of building a model for sustainable development.

During his six-day visit to the United States, Pope Francis is expected to share his message of compassion and simplicity with the world’s richest and most powerful country.

On Tuesday, both President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden personally greeted Pope Francis on the tarmac with their families after his plane landed at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, DC. This is the first time the Pope has ever stepped foot on U.S. soil.