ROME, Italy - The pope will leave Rome on Monday for his first visit to the United States. President Bush will personally greet the pontiff when he arrives in Washington Tuesday. But Benedict will also be met by some dissent in Catholic ranks.

On Sunday at the Vatican, Pope Benedict spoke softly, but his prayer carried a strong plea.

"Dear brothers and sisters I ask you all to pray for the success of my visit," said Pope Benedict XVI. Prayers are needed, he said, so that it may be a time of spiritual renewal for Americans.

But already Pope Benedict's words have not been enough for those calling on him to do more to fight alleged sex abuse within the catholic church.

"I don't want an apology, words are cheap, I want actions. That is what I want, action," said Barbara Dorris, SNAP.

Earlier this month Pope Benedict labeled divorce and abortion "social plagues" in the U.S., many in the Catholic gay community feel they've also been demonized by the church.

"The doors to the Vatican are really quite closed to any authentic dialogue with our community and that's very sad, because Benedict should be our pastor and shepherd as he is to the rest of the Church," said Marianne Duddy-Burke, Executive Director of Dignity USA.

That's not the only criticism Pope Benedict has received. In September 2006, he angered Muslims around the world when he quoted a description of Islam as "evil and inhumane." Extreme security measures are in place for his trip to the U.S.

On April 16th the Pope will turn 81-years-old, he will spend the day in Washington DC where he will meet with President Bush at the White House.