Washington, Sep 24 (IANS/AKI): I come from an immigrant family, Pope Francis told US President Barack Obama on Wednesday at the start of his five-day visit to the country.
"Coming from a family of immigrants, I am happy to be a guest of this nation, which was built in great part by such families," Francis said.
"I am looking forward joyfully to these days of meeting and dialogue, during which I hope to listen to and share many of the hopes and dreams of the American people," Francis added.
Francis, whose birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires, the eldest son of Italian immigrant Mario Jose Bergoglio.