Pope Benedict XVI began his first state visit to Germany on Thursday.
The 84-year-old and his entourage arrived at Berlin's Tegel airport, where he was welcomed by a red carpet. Some 6,000 police officers are expected to secure the four-day visit, CNN reports.
The pope's day started with a greeting from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Christian Wulff and members of the Cabinet, as well as members of the German Catholic Church.
I have not come here primarily to pursue particular political or economic goals, but rather to meet people and to speak about God, Pope Benedict said during a welcome ceremony at Bellevue Castle.
He is expected to meet with leaders of the Jewish and Muslim communities and conduct three Masses, which will be attended by more than 250,000 people, the Associated Press reports.
Scroll down for the first photos from Pope Benedict's visit to his homeland of Germany.
German President Christian Wulff (2R) and his wife Bettina (R) welcome Pope Benedict XVI upon his arrival at Tegel International airport in Berlin September 22, 2011. Pope Benedict starts his most difficult visit yet to his German homeland on Thursday, touring mostly Protestant and atheist regions in the ex-communist east after previous visits to Catholic strongholds in the Rhineland and his native Bavaria.REUTERSPope Benedict XVI speaks to young wellwishers on his arrival at Tegel International airport in Berlin September 22, 2011. Pope Benedict starts his most difficult visit yet to his German homeland on Thursday, touring mostly Protestant and atheist regions in the ex-communist east after previous visits to Catholic strongholds in the Rhineland and his native Bavaria.REUTERSGerman President Christian Wulff, his wife Bettina and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, watch as Pope Benedict XVI greets wellwishers on his arrival at Tegel International airport in Berlin September 22, 2011. Pope Benedict starts his most difficult visit yet to his German homeland on Thursday, touring mostly Protestant and atheist regions in the ex-communist east after previous visits to Catholic strongholds in the Rhineland and his native Bavaria.REUTERSPope Benedict XVI stands next to German President Christian Wulff (R) during a welcome ceremony at the presidential Bellevue palace in Berlin September 22, 2011. Pope Benedict starts his most difficult visit yet to his German homeland on Thursday, touring mostly Protestant and atheist regions in the ex-communist east after previous visits to Catholic strongholds in the Rhineland and his native Bavaria. In background is President Wulff's wife Bettina.REUTERSPope Benedict XVI disembarks from his plane on arrival at Tegel International airport in Berlin September 22, 2011. Pope Benedict starts his most difficult visit yet to his German homeland on Thursday, touring mostly Protestant and atheist regions in the ex-communist east after previous visits to Catholic strongholds in the Rhineland and his native Bavaria.REUTERSGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) introduces Economy Minister Philipp Roesler (L) to Pope Benedict XVI upon his arrival at Tegel International airport in Berlin September 22, 2011. Pope Benedict starts his most difficult visit yet to his German homeland on Thursday, touring mostly Protestant and atheist regions in the ex-communist east after previous visits to Catholic strongholds in the Rhineland and his native Bavaria.REUTERSGerman President Christian Wulff (2R) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (3R) watch as Pope Benedict XVI is welcomed by local clergy on his arrival at Tegel International airport in Berlin September 22, 2011. Pope Benedict starts his most difficult visit yet to his German homeland on Thursday, touring mostly Protestant and atheist regions in the ex-communist east after previous visits to Catholic strongholds in the Rhineland and his native Bavaria.REUTERS
