WASHINGTON — In a moment weaving strands of politics, religion and emotion, Pope Francis and President Barack Obama are set to meet in the grandeur of the Oval Office to advance causes dear to them both.

Eagerly watching will be a nation that cannot get enough of Francis, a humble man rejuvenating American Catholicism while giving heartburn to its conservatives.

The pope was to deliver his opening remarks to the United States on the White House lawn this morning and speak to America’s bishops later. That speech was highly anticipated, given a certain disconnect between Francis’ focus on social justice and a merciful church and the culture wars that America’s bishops have waged in recent years over abortion and gay rights.

From the instant the white-robed and broad-grinned Francis landed in the U.S. on Tuesday, doffed his skullcap in the breeze and got into a modest, charcoal-gray Fiat, his visit electrified wonky Washington, which can be jaded about the comings and goings of world figures.

Washington was the first stop on the pope’s six-day, three-city visit to the United States.