The Pope started the day with pageantry and ended it pointed words about the clergy sex abuse scandal that's rocked the Catholic Church.

The bells tolled at the Basilica, marking the momentous arrival of Pope Benedict XVI.

It was a joyful experience for the thousands of faithful who waited outside the church for a glimpse of the Holy Father.

Inside, the Pontiff led a prayer service for about 300 U.S. bishops, outlining his vision for the future of the church.

Hhe also delivered a harsh criticism of the clergy sex scandal that's rocked the church.

"Responding to the situation has not been easy, and as the president of your conferences has indicated it was sometimes very badly handled," said Pope Benedict XVI.

The Pope's first full day in the U.S. began in a big and historic way as thousands eagerly gathered on the south lawn for a white house welcome full of pomp and circumstance.

BUSH says: "Here in America you'll find a nation of prayer. Each day millions of our citizens approach our maker on bended knee."

Privately, the President presented the Pope with a birthday cake on his 81st birthday.

Then the two sat down for a closed door discussion.

While at the White House, the Pope urged the U.S. to use diplomacy to resolve international disputes.

The Pontiff traveled through the streets of Washington twice in his Pope mobile – rewarding the thousands of onlookers with a smile, a wave and a glimpse of history.

The centerpiece of the Washington leg of the Pope's trip comes Thursday morning, when he holds a mass at the Nationals ballpark for more than 45,000 people.

Security is intense.

Roads, bridges, even a stretch of river in the area will be shut down and everyone has to be in place two hours before the mass begins.