pope francis visit to new york

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Pope Francis’ Visit to U.S.

Pope francis made his first visit to the united states in september 2015, meeting followers and dignitaries in washington, new york and philadelphia. explore the full coverage from the times..

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U.S. Church, in Pope Francis’ Afterglow, Sees Chance to Win Back Faithful

The pope’s visit to New York, Philadelphia and Washington reinvigorated many Roman Catholics, who are now hoping they can sustain the sense of mission he inspired.

  By Vivian Yee and Andy Newman

Pope Departs, After Showing a Deft Touch

Francis demonstrated a nuanced political dexterity, effectively sidestepping the familiar framework of American debate while charting his own broader path.

  By Jim Yardley and Laurie Goodstein

Moments of Strength and Vulnerability

The pope made public appearances and shared private moments among the people and the powerful in Washington.

  By Jim Dwyer

Highlights of Pope Francis’ Remarks in the U.S.

Over six days, the pope addressed Catholics and non-Catholics alike as he pleaded for environmental stewardship and compassion for immigrants and the poor in the halls of power.

Pope’s Visit as It Happened — Highlights

Real-time coverage by Times reporters of Francis’ first visit to the United States.

Pope Francis’ Visit to America, in Pictures

Photographs of the pope’s first trip to the United States, as Catholics and non-Catholics alike will navigate crowds in three cities to catch a glimpse of the “people’s pope.”

A Humble Pope, Challenging the World

Francis, the first Latin American pope, has drawn from his life in Argentina to try to create a humbler papacy, albeit one with lofty ambitions. His push for change has stirred hope and anxiety.

  By Jim Yardley

Pope Francis to Find a Church in Upheaval

Some U.S. churches are bursting with immigrant parishioners, while others struggle to stay open.

  By Laurie Goodstein

In the Bronx, ‘Poor Church’ Is More Than a Papal Phrase

Efforts to hold together a merged congregation raise the question of whether the Roman Catholic Church can minister to New York City’s poor in an era of diminishing resources.

  By David Gonzalez

Before Pope Francis Met Kim Davis, He Met With Gay Ex-Student

A gay man, a former student of Francis, met the pope before the Kentucky clerk did, and the Vatican said the meeting with Ms. Davis was not an endorsement of her views.

By Jim Yardley and Laurie Goodstein

Pope Francis, the Kentucky Clerk and Culture Wars Revisited

Pope Francis’ meeting with Kim Davis cheered conservatives troubled by his words on poverty, the environment and immigration, and dismayed liberals who said it negated much of the good will he had built up on his trip.

By Laurie Goodstein and Jim Yardley

Pope Francis Met With Kim Davis, Kentucky County Clerk, in Washington

The Vatican confirmed that the pope met with Ms. Davis, who defied a court order on same-sex marriage, but would not elaborate.

Pope Acknowledges Cover-Ups by Bishops

Hours after meeting with victims in Philadelphia, the pope said that priests who molested children were “sacrilegious,” and he acknowledged that bishops had covered up abuse cases.

By Jim Yardley

Pope Francis Visits: Day 9

Pope Francis wrapped up his two-day visit to Philadelphia, where he spoke on the matter of sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church before he flew back to Rome.

By Jessica Naudziunas, Yousur Al-Hlou, Ainara Tiefenthäler and RICHARD TANNER

Next Up From Pope Francis? An Album, of Course

After his whirlwind United States tour, Pope Francis will release a Vatican-approved album, which features his speeches set to rock and sacred music.

By Andrew R. Chow

Pope Francis’ Remarks to Victims of Sexual Abuse

The English translation of Pope Francis’ remarks to the victims of sexual abuse, as prepared and released by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

After Criticism, Pope Francis Confronts Priestly Sexual Abuse

The pope’s remarks were greeted with skepticism by many victims, who said his pledge of accountability was not enough to overcome their sense of disappointment.

By Laurie Goodstein

Pope Francis Condemns Abuse

At St. Charles Borromeo Seminary near Philadelphia on Sunday, Pope Francis condemned child abuse and promised to take action against perpetrators in the Roman Catholic Church.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pope Francis Ends Visit With Mass After Meeting Bishops and Inmates

The pope turned penitent and pastor Sunday, declaring himself “overwhelmed by shame” at the sexual abuse by his clergy, visiting a local jail and bidding farewell with a huge downtown Mass.

By Laurie Goodstein and Daniel J. Wakin

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Pope Francis Visits NYC: Where He Will Be, and Where You Should Go Instead

Pope Francis will arrive in New York City on Thursday evening, marking the beginning of one of the biggest logistical SNAFU's the city has faced in decades. Never mind the United Nations General Assembly, which is convening this week on the East Side of Manhattan; it's the Pontiff's first United States visit that will reroute thousands of New Yorkers, as entire blocks are closed to traffic and some of the city's most visited landmarks are shut off to the general public. So where, exactly, should you avoid if you're looking to skirt the mass of humanity His Holiness will draw to New York City? Good question. We've mapped the street closures that will be in effect throughout the two-day Papal extravaganza , as well as attractions to visit in lieu of the destinations the Holy Father will himself be gracing.

His New York schedule (copied from here ) is below, along with maps of each of the main locations. Click on the maps and streets for more details.

Thursday, September 24

5:00 p.m.: Arrive at JFK Airport. Fun fact: journalists subsidize the Pope's travels , and he's flying American Airlines within the States (yes, he's flying between D.C., NYC, and Philly).

6:30 p.m. Evening Prayer (Vespers) at St. Patrick's Cathedral

Friday, September 25

8:30 a.m.: Visit to the United Nations and Address to the United Nations General Assembly

11:30 a.m.: Multi-religious service at 9/11 Memorial and Museum, World Trade Center

4:00 p.m.: Visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School, East Harlem

5 p.m.(ish): Pope Francis Central Park Procession. Ticketed guests will be allowed to enter starting at 11 a.m. All guests must be at their assigned gate no later than 3:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. Mass at Madison Square Garden

Saturday, September 26

8:40 a.m. Departure JFK Airport

· The Papal Visit Is Causing a Security Nightmare on the UES [Curbed] · Curbed Maps archives [Curbed]

Brooklyn Museum

Many of Manhattan's most famous museums, including MoMA and the Met, will be all but impossible to get to while Pope Francis is in town. But the Brooklyn Museum won't be, and its current roster of exhibits—including one on sneaker culture, a Kara Walker installation, and a retrospective of the innovative Brooklyn artists FAILE—is well worth the trip.

• Open in Google Maps

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14 NYC museums with outstanding architecture

New York City’s best museum gift shops

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

Thanks to the Papal procession on Friday (and the security leading up to it), Central Park will be a no-go this week. Instead, head to Queens and visit Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which is even larger than Central Park, and has just as many cool things to do: check out the iconic Unisphere, wander around the dilapidated New York State Pavilion, or check out institutions like the New York Hall of Science and the Queens Botanical Garden.

The best New York parks for barbecues and picnics

Outdoors and Online: 20 of New York City's Free Wi-Fi Spots

Queens Museum

While you're at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, be sure to take a detour to the Queens Museum. It's located in the former New York City Building, originally constructed for the 1939 World's Fair. At one point, the building was the headquarters of the United Nations (whose current complex will be a no-fly-zone because of the Pope); now, it hosts innovative, borough-focused exhibits. It's also home to The Panorama of the City of New York , a scale model of the five boroughs that's one of the most fascinating exhibits in the city. [Photo by Max Touhey]

26 best things to do in NYC right now

The 29 best things to do in New York City with kids

Prospect Park

Or you could visit Prospect Park, which has the added bonus of being another New York City park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the architects of Central Park. Head to the Vale of Cashmere, one of the quietest spots within the park , if you need a place for peaceful reflection. [Photo by Monica Berger]

Prospect Park: secrets of Brooklyn’s beloved park

The Green-Wood Cemetery

It's no surprise that the recently-restored St. Patrick's Cathedral will be overtaken by Papal activity—and other popular houses of worship, like Trinity Church and St. Paul's Chapel, are also in Pope Francis's sphere of closures. If you're looking for a peaceful spot with religious (and historical) significance, go to Green-Wood: There are plenty of spots to explore, including the beautiful 1911 chapel; the grounds are serene; and there are more historical sites than you can count on both hands.

Governors Island

This is the final weekend that Governors Island will be open to the public, so make the most of it. On Thursday, there's a hard hat tour of the new hills being built, which will tower 70 feet over the island. Pro tip: Leave from the ferry landing at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park—thanks to the Pope's visit to the World Trade Center, downtown is going to be a mess.

See Where New York City Parks Are Being Beautified & Built

Rockaway Beach

Want to get as far away from the congestion of the Pope's visit as possible? Head to the Rockaways; swimming may be off-limits at this point, but there are still plenty of activities—tacos, shopping, people-watching—to keep you occupied. There's also a small park that pays tribute to Rockaways residents lost on 9/11, located near the Beach 116th Street subway stop. [Photo by Scott Lynch]

New York Botanical Garden

The leaves may not be turning just yet at the New York Botanical Garden, but that doesn't mean it won't be a beautiful place to visit this time of year. Plus, there are only a few weeks left to check out its blockbuster Frida Kahlo exhibition, which is a good alternative if you can't get to the Museum of Modern Art this week. [Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen]

Mapping the Most Exciting New Developments Transforming The Bronx

Kings Theatre

Both Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall are within the area that will basically be off-limits during the Pope's visit—and thousands of spectators will pack MSG on Friday for a papal mass. But the historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, which reopened this February, is well outside of the Pope's purview and is just as historic as either of those Manhattan venues. If you're an Of Monsters and Men or Jackson Browne fan, you're in luck: they're playing on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

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General Secretariat

Papal visit 2015, pope francis' 2015 visit to the u.s..

Here on this page, you will find photos, videos, resources, the text of speeches, and other special moments from Pope Francis' 2015 visit to the United States.

Virtual Pilgrimage (PDF)

Pope Francis visits America

Complete Catholic News Service video coverage of the historic visit to the United States by Pope Francis in September 2015.

9 Ways People Participated in Pope Francis's 2015 US Visit

Hundreds of Thousands saw Pope Francis when he visited the US in September, 2015. Here are the some of the ways those who did not get to see him in person "virtually" participated in the events.

• Took part in a "Virtual Pilgrimage" with  these prayers  as the Holy Father made his way to more than a dozen different locations in Washington, DC, New York City, and Philadelphia.
• Learned about the places Pope Francis visited by following his journey on this  interactive map .
• Become "Pope Francis literate" by reading his two encyclical letters:  Lumen Fidei  and  Laudato Si
• Stayed up-to-date and read insightful commentary by connecting with the only news source founded and supported by the US Bishops,  Catholic News Service . See the latest in the CNS feed below.
• Held a Papal Visit Watch Party using the USCCB live stream in English with audio commentary here or watched  video on demand .
• Received the latest est papal visit news and more by downloading the  Catholic Church app. Responded to Pope Francis's call to enounter by reaching out to those in need, supporting parish or community charitable efforts, acting to promote life, human dignity, families and religious freedom, and by caring for creation.
• Invited a non-Catholic or non-practicing Catholic friend to Mass following the pope's visit.
• Engaged in the USCCB's award-winning social media effort with the hash tags #PopeinUS and #PapaEnUSA. 
• Supported the many people who worked to make Pope Francis' historic US visit a success by praying for them to the Blessed Virgin under her title   Mary, Undoer of Knots  (a favorite of Pope Francis).

Liturgical Texts for Masses and Prayer Services

Media guide, resources, speeches, and homilies, papal-visit-2015-pocket-media-guide.

Papal-Visit2015-Media-Resources

Wednesday-9-23-mass-canonization-serra, wednesday-9-23-midday-prayer-st-matthew, thursday-9-24-vespers-st-patrick, friday-9-25-multi-religious-ground-zero, friday-9-25-mass-madison-square-garden, world-meeting-families-2015-congress-liturgies, papal-mass-program-sunday-9-27-15, papal-mass-program-saturday-9-26-15, papal visit speeches and homilies, wednesday, september 23, 2015.

• White House Welcome Ceremony, speech
• St. Matthew's Cathedral, Midday Prayer with US Bishops,homily
• Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Square, Holy Mass of Canonization, homily

Thursday, September 24, 2015

• United States Capitol, Visit to US Congress, speech
• St. Patrick's Parish (Washington, DC), Encounter with the Poor, speech
• St. Patrick's Cathedral (New York, NY), Vespers, homily 

Friday, September 25, 2015

• United Nations, Meeting with UN Staff, speech
• United Nations, UN General Assembly, speech 
• Ground Zero Memorial, Interreligious meeting, speech
• Harlem School, Meeting with Immigrant Families and Children, speech 
• Madison Square Garden, Holy Mass, homily 

Saturday, September 26, 2015

• Cathedral of St. Peter & Paul, Holy Mass, homily
• Independence National Park, Religious Liberty Meeting, speech
• Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Festival of Families, speech 

Sunday, September 27, 2015

• Meeting with Victims of Sexual Abuse
• St. Martin of Tours Chapel, Meeting with WMOF Bishops, speech
• Curran-Fromhold Penitentiary, Meeting with prisoners, speech 
• Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Holy Mass (WMOF Closing Mass), homily
• Atlantic Aviation (PHL Airport), Greeting of WMOF Organizers, speech 

Catechetical Resources

• Pope Francis for Children  ( Español )
• Pope Francis for Adults  ( Español )
• Blessed Junípero Serra  ( Español )

Children’s Activities

• Please Pray for Me – Coloring Sheet
• Blessed Junípero Serra – Facebook Page  ( Español )
• Coat of Arms Project  ( Español )

Prayer Resources

• Prayer of Anticipation  ( Español )

Info Sheets

• Saints Among Us in the Archdiocese of Washington  ( Español )

Lesson Plans

• Who Was Peter? ( Español )
• Who is Pope Francis? ( Español )
• What is the Mission of the Pope? ( Español )
• Why is this Visit Important? ( Español )

Grades 9-12

Adults catechesis on pope francis.

• 3 Lessons ( Español )

Papal Visits to the United States

Pope Francis  was the fourth pope to visit the theUnited States. His apostolic journey to the United States took place from September 22-27, 2015, and he visited Washington, New York and Philadelphia. Pope Francis' visit was the tenth time a pope made an apostolic journey to the United States.

Other pastoral visits from previous popes are:

Pope Benedict XVI visited the United States in 2008. His apostolic visit, April 15-20, took him to Washington and New York.

Pope John Paul II visited the United States seven times:

• 1979 (10/1 – 10/7) Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington and Des Moines, Iowa.
• 1981 (2/27) Anchorage, Alaska – stopover/several hours 
• 1984 (5/2) Fairbanks, Alaska – stopover/several hours
• 1987 (9/10 – 9/19) Miami, Columbia, SC, New Orleans, San Antonio, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit 
• 1993 (8/12 – 8/15) Denver (World Youth Day)
• 1995 (10/4 – 10/8) Newark, NJ, New York (including Brooklyn), Baltimore
• 1999 (1/26 – 1/27) St. Louis

In October 1965, Paul VI became the first pope to visit the United States. His trip included a first time papal visit to the United Nations.

Pope Francis was the fourth pope to meet with a U.S. president during a visit to the United States. Other popes who have met with a U.S. president during a U.S. visit are:

Pope Benedict XVI:

• April 16, 2008, on the occasion of Pope Benedict XVI's 81st birthday, President George W. Bush welcomed Pope Benedict to the White House. This was the second time in history that a pope visited the White House.

Pope John Paul II met with a U.S. president during each of the following visits to the United States:

• 1979 – President Jimmy Carter (The White House, Washington)
• 1984 – President Ronald Reagan (Fairbanks, Alaska: first time a U.S. president and pope met outside of the White House or Vatican)
• 1987 – President Ronald Reagan (Los Angeles)
• 1993 – President Bill Clinton(Denver)
• 1995 – President Bill Clinton (Newark, NJ)
• 1999 – President Bill Clinton (St. Louis)

Pope Paul VI:

• 1965 -- President Lyndon Johnson (New York City)

Pope Francis' visit to the United Nations was the fourth time a pope addresses the United Nations while visiting the United States.

Pope Francis

• United Nations Headquarters (New York),September 25, 2015

Benedict XVI

• United Nations Headquarters (New York), April 18, 2008

John Paul II

• United Nations Headquarters (New York), October 2, 1979
• United Nations Headquarters (New York), October 5, 1995

Pope Paul VI

• United Nations Headquarters (New York), October 4, 1965

*Sources: www.usccb.org , Vatican.va

Pope Francis visit: Pontiff leaves New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral as his long day ends

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Pope Francis' New York itinerary started with a ride down Fifth Avenue and evening prayers at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Then he left in a small Fiat to spend the night at the Vatican's diplomatic residence. The second leg of his three-city American visit came after he addressed a joint meeting of Congress. The pope implored officials gathered in the House chamber to welcome immigrants, abolish the death penalty and protect families “threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without."

--  Pope weighs in on  political controversies

-- Which four people did the pope say Americans should honor? 

Waving goodnight to pope

Into the fiat, pope leaves evening prayers, fifth avenue greeting.

New York, the city that never sleeps, got a new reason to stay awake as Pope Francis arrived in Manhattan for a whirlwind tour that will take him from the heights of international authority at the United Nations to the World Trade Center and a school in East Harlem.

Fresh from a speech to a joint meeting of Congress, where he pushed his agenda of helping immigrants and the poor while healing the planet from the effects of climate change, Francis arrived for evening prayers at the legendary St. Patrick's Cathedral on Manhattan's storied, high-end shopping district along Fifth Avenue.

Thousands of people lined up along police barricades for a glimpse of the pontiff. Some wore Francis T-shirts, others waved Vatican flags. All praised the pope who had traveled more than 4,200 miles from the Holy See to share his message of compassion and tolerance.

"He's a very meaningful person because of his character and the way he loves people," said Grace Cordoza, 75, of Hyde Park, N.Y. "It always touched me."

Her friend, Gail Giacobbe, 67, of Basking Ridge, N,J., said she admired the example he sets for others.

"We want to emulate not only what he says but how he lives his life," Giacobbe said.

Non-Catholics joined the expectant crowd. Janie and Michael Huddleton, siblings from Birmingham, Ala., described themselves as a non-denominational Christian and an atheist, respectively.

"I wanted to be part of what New Yorkers experience," said Janie Huddleton, 27. "Nothing like this ever happens in Birmingham."

--Tina Susman and Vera Haller

From Birmingham to New York

Along Fifth Avenue, just south of St. Patrick's Cathedral, an audible sigh of disappointment swept through the crowd waiting for a glimpse of Pope Francis.

Word had spread that the pope had entered St. Patrick's for evening prayers without passing the thousands of spectators who had been waiting for hours, lined up five or six deep. Others peered out of upper floors of office buildings and stores lining the avenue.

But the sighting wasn't to happen. "I'm a little disappointed, but I had to be here," said Madeline Russo, 86, of Manhattan. "He is a beautiful leader who can take us out of this turmoil."

John Sterling, 40, an occupational therapist from Queens, said he thought security concerns might be higher in New York than in other cities, which was why the pope went right into the cathedral.

"I'm OK because I'm taking my mom to Philadelphia," the next leg of the pope's U.S. visit, said Sterling, a Roman Catholic. "I think this pope is a little more liberal and not afraid to voice his opinions on real issues."

Non-Catholics were among the crowd too. Janie and Michael Huddleton, siblings from Birmingham, Ala., described themselves as nondenominational Christian and atheist, respectively.

They came to try to see the pope as part of their New York experience while in town for a family wedding.

"I wanted to be part of what New Yorkers experience," said Janie, 27. "Nothing like this ever happens in Birmingham."

'Popemobile' in New York

Pope fan in new york, pope parade, a glance inside st. patrick's cathedral.

New York Police officers patrol Fifth Avenue in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in preparation for Pope Francis’ arrival to lead an evening prayer service. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Pope Francis will soon arrive for evening prayers at New York's cathedral.

Here are some facts about the landmark site.

The Architecture

Neo-Gothic. The cathedral's two ornately carved spires grace Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Inside, the sanctuary is marked by soaring arches and intricate stained-glass windows. It is undergoing a major restoration; a cleaning of its marble exterior, now a gleaming white, was completed in December.

May 25, 1879

At its transept, the cathedral measures 174 feet across and 332 feet long. The spires are 330 feet tall.

Noteworthy events

Among the many notable funerals held at the cathedral were Babe Ruth's on Aug. 19, 1948, Robert F. Kennedy's on June 8, 1968, and Andy Warhol's on April 1, 1987.

Past papal visits

Pope Paul VI in October 1965, Pope John Paul II in October 1979 and October 1995, Pope Benedict XVI in April 2008.

--Vera Haller

See how New York photogs are ready for Pope Francis

Pope's new york whirlwind begins.

Parishioners wait patiently for Pope Francis to arrive at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan, New York. EPA/Robert Sabo / POOL

Pope Francis arrived in New York City to begin a whirlwind visit of 39 hours and 40 minutes that will take him from the U.N. headquarters to a school in East Harlem.

The pope's chartered American Airlines 777 landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport where he was greeted by Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and five Roman Catholic schoolchildren.

He was whisked by helicopter to Manhattan, where he will attend evening prayers at St. Patrick's Cathedral, the seat of the head of the New York Archdiocese.

"It is a tremendous honor to welcome Pope Francis to New York state," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "Both in his teachings and in his travels around the globe, Pope Francis has inspired countless people to live with kindness for one another, and to reach out for and help those in need. These are ideals that are also deeply entwined in the spirit of New York, and I am honored that the Holy Father is including our state in his first visit to the United States.

"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I am proud to receive him with open arms, and I hope that his visit will be peaceful and rewarding."

--Michael Muskal

The pope's visit to NYC by the numbers

Pope Francis will be in New York City for about 39 hours, time enough to turn the city upside down. The New York Police Department has gathered the following numbers associated with the papal visit.

The number of barriers the NYPD will use. About 14,000 are owned by the department. They total 196,000 feet, or about 37 miles.

The number of traffic cones the police department will use.

The pieces of concrete block to be used citywide. They weigh 3,900 pounds each, totaling 818 tons.

The number of different motorcades in the city between the pope and dignitaries attending the United Nations General Assembly.

The number of miles Pope Francis will travel while he is in New York.

The number of barrier trucks the police department will use over the course of the pope's visit.

--Tina Susman

Maybe the pope could just pop in?

In the part of Queens known as "Little Argentina," people tried in vain to win their neighborhood a place on Pope Francis' schedule.

After all, they said, it's so close to Kennedy Airport, couldn't he maybe just stop by on the way in to the city?

They didn't make it into the official plans, but on Thursday, they were still hoping. Maybe Francis, born in Argentina, would pop in for a quick taste of home.

—Vera Haller

In a section of Queens known as “Little Argentina,” shop owners hoped for a surprise visit from the Argentine pope when he arrived in New York.

Who is she? Why did the pope praise her?

In this circa 1960 file photo, Dorothy Day is seen. In his speech to Congress, Pope Francis highlighted the contributions of Americans he said helped shape fundamental values that will “endure forever in the spirit of the American people.’’ Day, long a revered figure among Catholic progressives, founded the Catholic Worker Movement in the 1930s as she sought to help the poor and homeless. A pacifist, Day was arrested many times as she fought to bring attention to the plight of the poor and working class.

In his historic address to Congress on Thursday, Pope Francis invoked the name of this woman and three other Americans who, through "hard work and sacrifice" were able to build "a better future" and shape fundamental American values.

They are: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. and Thomas Merton.

Pictured above is the fourth, Dorothy Day.

-- Sarah Parvini

NYC eagerly awaits the pope

Pope is wheels up to new york.

After reaching out to a sea of children, Pope Francis left the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington D.C., for Joint Base Andrews, where he departed on an American Airlines 777 for New York City, the second stop on his historic U.S. visit.

A crowd of well-wishers cheered as he departed.

Earlier, Francis worked the crowd of children outside the Vatican's top diplomatic mission in the nation's capital. Cellphone cameras snapped papal selfies as he moved along the line.

He is scheduled to arrive in New York around 5 p.m. and will attend a prayer service this evening at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Pope Francis greets school children as he departs the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in the heart of Washington, en route Andrews Air Force Base. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Pope pilgrims flock to Philly shrines

Pope Francis arrives in Philadelphia on Saturday. While the faithful wait for him, some of the many who have come to see him are making the rounds of the area's national shrines.

St. Rita of Cascia in South Philadelphia made it easy for visitors, offering free trolley rides from the downtown area, called Center City.

Visitors came to the shrine Thursday from Virginia, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Europe and Zimbabwe.

-- Molly Hennessy-Fiske

Papal security: No free passes

House chaplain got his blessed moment, new york awaits francis, pope reaches out to d.c. homeless.

Felton Pierce, left, and Eric Dyer, who are both homeless, talk ahead of a visit by Pope Francis to a lunch for the homeless who are served by Catholic Charities in Washington. (Brian Snyder/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis traveled to the other side of the tracks in Washington, D.C. and spoke to the homeless, telling them that Jesus, too, was born without a place to live.

"The Son of God knew what it was to start life without a roof over his head," Pope Francis said to about 400 people at St. Patrick Church, including the homeless and hungry who were eating a meal. The pope blessed the food.

Homelessness has again become a key national issue. Los Angeles recently declared an emergency to strengthen the fight in dealing with the issue. In New York City, where the pope heads next, officials have long worked to shelter those who cannot afford housing.

As he has with other concerns, Pope Francis linked a tradition of the church to a modern flaw.

"We can imagine what Joseph must have been thinking," Francis told the crowd, describing the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

"How is it that the Son of God has no home? Why are we homeless, why don't we have housing? These are questions which many of you may ask daily."

L.A. Archbishop: 'The immigrant spirit is a wellspring'

Yesterday was a glorious day in our nation's capitol. Wonderful to pray with Pope Francis and to hear him speaking in English and in Spanish!

He began his pilgrimage by identifying with America's immigrant experience. He said: "As the son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families."

A wonderful tribute to the immigrant spirit! As an immigrant's son, his father fled fascism in Italy to settle in Argentina. Francis understands that the immigrant spirit is a wellspring for economic and moral revitalization.

At the end of the day, he canonized St. Junípero Serra, a missionary and immigrant who became the founding father of California. A beautiful day for the Latino people. Our first Latino saint!

I had the privilege to be on the altar with Pope Francis and to celebrate the canonization Mass with him.

I was praying for all the people of Los Angeles, of every religion and race and culture and language. I was asking our new saint to intercede for all of us, to ask God to open our hearts to the beauty of his plan for creation so that we can be more loving, more compassionate, more merciful and forgiving.

--Archbishop José H. Gomez

3 powerful quotes from the pope's speech to Congress

Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress, making history as the first pontiff to do so.

"A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk."

Immigration

"On this continent, too, thousands of persons are led to travel north in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities. Is this not what we want for our own children? We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation."

Death penalty

"Recently my brother bishops here in the United States renewed their call for the abolition of the death penalty. Not only do I support them, but I also offer encouragement to all those who are convinced that a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation."

See how the pope made grown men cry

Pope mingles with catholic charity workers.

Pope Francis greets Catholic Charities workers and the homeless people they serve at a lunch in Washington.

Pope comforts the homeless

After challenging Washington's elites in a joint meeting of Congress, Francis offered comfort to some of the city's neediest.

He spoke to homeless people at St. Patrick Parish and pressed into a crowd at Catholic Charities, where people surrounded him and took selfies after he offered a blessing before their lunch.

He called on the faithful to solve the problem of homelessness, declaring: "Let me be clear: There can be no social or moral justification, no justification whatsoever, for lack of housing."

Late in the day he was leaving for New York for more prayer services and a speech to the United Nations.

--Associated Press

FBI gets a papal wave

Can there be goodness in congress.

Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Sept. 24.

Intending to bring words of encouragement to a divided Congress, Pope Francis made a spirited case Thursday for the goodness of politics, drawing on church teachings and landmark moments in U.S. history to nudge lawmakers toward a more inspired professional pursuit.

The pope used his moral authority to weigh in on a variety of U.S. political controversies, including immigration, income inequality, the death penalty and the environment.

Francis said his speech was for the entire nation, especially common workers and the elderly, and he urged legislators not to ignore the dispossessed.

"A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk," he said.

The pope challenged Congress to act with compassion in dealing with migrants from south of the border.

-- Michael A. Memoli

-- Lisa Mascaro

Protocol busters tweet from House floor

Several members of Congress, including Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.), were tweeting photos from the House floor this morning in violation of protocol. Lawmakers are forbidden from doing this except during the brief period of time a new Congress is sworn in every two years.

-- Christina Bellantoni

Congress' religious affiliations

More than 9 in 10 members of the House and Senate are Christian and about 57% are Protestant, which is about the same as in the 113th Congress, according to the Pew Research Center. About one-third of members are Catholic, the same as in the previous Congress.

'A good political leader...seizes the moment in a spirit of openness and pragmatism'

What makes a good political leader, work toward 'common good,' pope francis tells congress.

The address before a joint meeting of Congress was a historic first for a leader of the Catholic Church, and the soft-spoken pontiff arrived at a House chamber where the partisan split was on full display, with Vice President Joe Biden to his one side and House Speaker John A. Boehner on the other.

Francis sought to balance his views for a politically divided audience, discussing the importance of life and family in a way that appealed to Republicans, while leaning more heavily into the issues of immigration, climate change and income inequality that have made him popular with Democrats. He called for an end to the death penalty.

He invoked historical lessons from American icons Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, appealing to a sense of American exceptionalism that resonated with lawmakers.

"You are called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics," the pope said, speaking in English from prepared notes.

A small outburst

And in philly..., renew spirit of cooperation, francis says, meanwhile, in new york..., these tailgaters are nuns, defend and care for your people, pope tells congress, in congress, the powerful get the pope tickets.

Members of Congress have been scrambling to see the pope in the Fiat who humbly visits the poor, but it's the bigwigs who are getting tickets.

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's guest list includes billionaires, members of political dynasties, and a man who has given tens of millions to Democratic causes: Matilda Cuomo, widow of Mario Cuomo; Thomas D'Alesandro III, former mayor of Baltimore; wealthy entrepreneurs Marc and Lynne Benioff of San Francisco; Tom Steyer, the environmentalist political donor and his wife, Kat Taylor.

Pelosi's husband and the head of the Service Employees International Union are also on her list.

Others in the audience include former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista, and John Calipari, the University of Kentucky basketball coach.

But don't worry, there's still a place for the little people: on the lawn. Pelosi's office said some constituents, local college students, nuns, and immigration advocates who fasted have seats on the West Front of the Capitol, where Francis is expected to appear following his remarks.

-- Noah Bierman

Eager for the best view

The thousands of people gathered here on the Capitol's West Lawn lined up during the small hours of the morning to ensure the best glimpse of the pope when he walks out to greet them from the Speaker of the House's balcony.

Many with red and blue "standing room only" tickets plopped their blankets on the ground to catch up on sleep, weaving into one another for warmth.

Spectators draped their arms over the fence and peered at the Jumbotron, hoping to catch a first look at Pope Francis.

"I came today because the pope's message of justice and peace resonates with me as well as his Jesuit values -- competence, conscience, and compassion," said José Cabrales, 37, of Watsonville, Calif.

--Mary Ann Toman-Miller

Live: Pope addresses Congress

A reflection on Francis' emphasis on the family

Students, chaperone Tika Lee and Daniel Annarelli look at photos from Annarelli’s participation in a Kairos retreat during his time at St. Joseph Preparatory in Philadelphia.

Family. It is the culminating theme of the holy father's visit to the United States when he makes his planned visit to Philadelphia this weekend, wrapping up the celebration of the Catholic World Meeting of Families.

It is this theme of family that is the tinder for excitement and anticipation in this country that has not been seen since the hope-filled message of a newly elected president in 2008.

How fitting it is that the theme of family is what gets so many people coming together from around the world with a newfound zeal. After all, what gets people more impassioned than their families? What elicits from us a greater joy than the hug of a loved one or a greater sense of gratitude than seeing a parent or child after a long time apart?

What, too, delivers such disappointment and pain than those moments where family fails us? And yet, we keep coming back to family. We all have a sense of family, whatever our history or background. Because in the end, nothing reveals the depth of our humanity more than our families.

Today, and throughout the weekend, we have the privilege to celebrate what family means to us. We dialogue about our different family values, share our family traditions, and debate the pros and cons of family life.

We kicked off this celebration with 20 people from different families converging on one home -- that of my childhood family. It was a particularly special night for me, because I was able to give my mom and dad that hug after being apart for a long time. And simultaneously I was able to give my students -- those from my Loyola family -- a glimpse of what family means to me. We ate a home cooked meal, we laughed, we sang songs, we looked at old pictures and even poked some fun at the Dean's high school scrapbook.

From one family opening its door and its heart to others, we've started a conversation that will continue throughout the weekend -- one where, hopefully, we can all get a window into each other's families and share in the joyful spirit of what it means to simply belong.

--Daniel Annarelli

Crazy for pope bobbleheads

Samir Sabir, at City Souvenirs in Manhattan, opens a fresh supply of bobblehead Pope Francis dolls, which are scarce in New York City.

It was a simple request. Someone wanted a Pope Francis doll.

You know the ones.

The bobblehead dolls that show the smiling pontiff, his right hand waving to adoring crowds and his head bobbing gently.

They're everywhere, right?

Pope Francis has arrived

A papal playlist.

Streaming service Spotify is promoting a special playlist for Pope Francis' visit, with songs ranging from "Ave Maria" to Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind."

The company reached out to Tim O'Malley, director of the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy, for his papal playlist. There are 53 songs on the list, or about three-and-a-half hours of music.

Some of the songs are hymns and psalms, but there are also references to the places Francis is visiting: Washington, Philadelphia and New York.

Among the tunes? Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York," "Streets of Philadelphia" by Bruce Springsteen and "Motown Philly" by Boyz II Men.

Joint session or joint meeting?

Here's why the Pope is addressing a joint meeting of Congress.

Each chamber of the Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives, meets separately to do their work. But on rare and important occasions, the houses come together in either a joint session or joint meeting. The difference between the two is technical and involves parliamentary rules of order.

However, the distinction is important.

When a foreign leader visits, the House and the Senate agree to recess and meet with the other chamber. Lawmakers listen, but do no more than clap in a joint meeting.

In a joint session, however, the bodies adopt a concurrent resolution, a much more formal position. Joint sessions are typically reserved to hear an address from the President of the United States or to count presidential electoral votes as specified by the U.S. Constitution.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives usually presides over both joint sessions and meetings. The president of the Senate presides over joint sessions where the electoral votes are counted.

Pope's day two schedule

6:20 a.m. Addresses joint meeting of Congress

Pope Francis will become the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, but the visit will not be without controversy. Many conservative Republicans see the Pope as too liberal, especially on issues such as climate change.

8:15 a.m. Visits St. Patrick's Church and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington

Pope Francis will visit St. Patrick's Church in Washington D.C. and give a blessing to the clients and homeless gathered at lunchtime for the St. Maria Meals Program of the Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Washington.

1 p.m. Departs Joint Base Andrews for New York

2 p.m. Arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport

3:45 p.m. Evening prayers at St. Patrick's Cathedral

Pope Francis will pray with priests, men and women religious and such dignitaries as Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio. St. Patrick's, in Midtown Manhattan, is the landmark seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York.

--Source: Catholic Conference of Bishops

Walkers only to D.C. pope viewing

Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington is closed to vehicles, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, as people walk to get through security to see Pope Francis appear from the Speaker’s Balcony on Capitol Hill. The Pope will addresses a joint meeting of Congress making him the first pontiff in history to do so. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

A warm embrace, and then to the Fiat

Waiting for francis to address congress.

Thousands of people are filling the Capitol lawn in anticipation of Pope Francis' historic address to a joint meeting of Congress.

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Pope Francis Itinerary & Schedule in DC, New York, and Philadelphia

Washington, dc     sept. 22–24.

Arrival from Cuba

His arrival at Andrews Air Force Base marks the first time the pope will set foot on U.S. soil. He will be greeted by President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill.

Welcoming ceremony

Pope Francis will appear at an official welcoming ceremony on the White House South Lawn. He will meet with President Obama following the South Lawn appearance.

Vatican Pool/Getty Images

Papal parade

After leaving the White House, Pope Francis will travel in the "popemobile" along 15th Street, Constitution Avenue and 17th Street, NW. The parade will be free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Gates will be opening for the Ellipse and the National Mall at 4:00 a.m.

Meeting with U.S. bishops

His Holiness will lead a midday prayer from the Liturgy of Hours, alongside Bishops from the United States at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.

Holy Mass and canonization of Junipero Serra

Approximately 25,000 people are expected to attend this mass and it will serve as a canonization for Franciscan missionary Junipero Serra, a Spanish-born Franciscan Friar known for starting nine Spanish missions in California in the 1700s.

George Rose/Getty Images

U.S. Capitol

Pope Francis will address a joint meeting of Congress, making him the first pope in history to do so. Video screens will be set up on the West Front of the Capitol toward the National Mall so thousands can watch the speech from outside.

Visit to the Charitable Center of St. Patrick Parish and meeting with the homeless

The pontiff will make a brief visit to the oldest Catholic church in the nation’s capital. Following the visit to St. Patrick's Parish, Pope Francis will give a blessing to clients of the St. Maria Meals program of the Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Washington. The pope is expected to enjoy a meal of chicken, green beans, carrots and pasta salad with the charity’s homeless clients.

Departure for New York

Pope Francis heads to the Empire State from the same base where he landed on Tuesday.

New York     Sept. 24–26

Arrival in New York

An hour later, Pope Francis arrives at JFK airport in New York City. The Diocese of Brooklyn picked five Catholic school students who will greet Pope Francis when he touches down.

Evening prayer (Vespers)

The pope will lead the evening prayer at a Vespers service held in the St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The event is only open to clergy of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, but a live stream will be available. Pope Francis will be the fourth pontiff to have visited the renowned cathedral. The young students will give the pontiff a bouquet filled with a list of prayers and good works from Catholic school students from Brooklyn and Queens.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Address to the United Nations

The United Nations is used to having high-profile attendees but Pope Francis will be breaking the mold on Friday. He is expected to address the General Assembly on strategies to combat poverty and protect the environment. His visit coincides with the UN's 70th anniversary.

Multi-religious service at 9/11 Memorial

The pontiff will visit the 9/11 Memorial site in lower Manhattan. He will then meet with local representatives of the world religions inside the museum's Foundation Hall, as part of a multi-religious meeting for peace.

Justin Lane-Pool/Getty Images

Visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School

Pope Francis will then visit a third grade class at Our Lady Queen of Angels, an elementary school in East Harlem.

Papal procession

A trip to “The Big Apple” wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through Central Park, so Pope Francis will motorcade between 72nd and 60th streets. More than 93,000 people entered a lottery for a free pair of tickets to the processional, and 80,000 tickets were given out.

The pope will hold Mass in the same famous arena that houses playoff games and sold-out concerts. Madison Square Garden can hold up to 20,000 people.

Departure for Philadelphia

Pope will travel by closed car to a downtown heliport, to catch a helicopter to JFK.

Philadelphia     Sept. 26–27

Arrival in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s Archbishop Charles Chaput, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and the mayor of Philly Michael Nutter will roll out the red carpet for the Catholic leader. Pope Francis will be the second pope to visit the city.

This Mass is closed to the public and tickets have been limited to 1,600 people. The cathedral is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the largest Catholic church in the state.

John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

Visit to Independence Mall

Standing in front of America’s birthplace, the pope will give a speech about immigration and religious freedom. Following his speech, Francis plans on touring Independence Hall, which is expected to include a stop at the Liberty Bell.

Festival of families

The Festival of Families is the closing ceremony for the World Meetings of Families conference. Actor Mark Wahlberg will be hosting the outdoor ceremony and performers include Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli, and the Fray. The pope will watch the celebration, hear from six families from different continents and give a speech.

St. Charles is where Pope Francis will sleep while he’s in Philly. The seminary prepares men for the priesthood and the diaconate.

Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility

Pope Francis will visit the city’s largest jail, where most of the inmates are serving a maximum of two years or awaiting trial. The pope will give a speech in the gymnasium and after he’ll individually greet some of the 100 prisoners.

Holy Mass concluding the World Meeting of Families

Before the pope gives the Holy Mass, he’ll ride down the mile-long street in his “popemobile.” This open-air Mass is the main event and is expected to attract over a million people.

Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Visit with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families

Approximately 500 people will bid Pope Francis farewell as he heads back to the Vatican. Vice President Biden and his family will lead the ceremony before His Holiness boards his return flight.

Departure for Rome

Arrivederci Pope Francis! The pope will hold an on-board press conference before taking off. His plane is slated to touch down on Monday.

Where is Pope Francis? A schedule of his U.S. visit

Where in the states is Pontifice Francisco?

Pope Francis began his visit to the USA on Tuesday and plans visits to Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. Whether you want to catch a glimpse of the Roman Catholic Church's leader or avoid the traffic, follow his six-day schedule below.

Tuesday, Sept. 22

4 p.m. — President Obama greets Pope Francis as he arrives at Joint Base Andrews.

Wednesday, Sept. 23

9:15 a.m. — President Obama welcomes the pope to the White House.

11:30 a.m. — The pope leads a prayer at St. Matthew's Cathedral with U.S. bishops.

4:15 p.m. — Pope Francis holds a canonization Mass  for Junipero Serra, an 18th Spanish Franciscan missionary who established schools for American Indians along the California coast. The first-ever canonization Mass on U.S. soil was held at the nation's largest Catholic church, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Thursday, Sept. 24

10 a.m. — The Senate and House welcome the pope in a joint session. He will make the first-ever address to Congress, which will broadcast live on the Capitol's West Front . This speech will be one of four he will hold in English . The remaining 14 speeches on his U.S. trip will be in his native Spanish.

11 a.m. — He makes a stop on the Capitol's West Front, which overlooks the National Mall.

11:15 a.m. — St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese host Pope Francis. Only 60 parishioners culled from a lottery of church volunteers and about 250 clients and volunteers from Catholic Charities will be allowed in during the visit. Catholic Charities St. Maria's Meals, which offers three weekly food programs in the Washington area, set up 55 tables for the poor and homeless to have lunch as the pope blesses the food and walks through.

4 p.m. — The pope departs from Washington via Joint Base Andrews for New York.

New York City

5 p.m. — Arrives in New York through John F. Kennedy International Airport.

6:45 p.m. — The pope holds an evening prayer service at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Friday, Sept. 25

8:30 a.m. — Pope Francis meets with the United Nations General Assembly. It's the 70th anniversary of the U.N .

11:30 a.m. — A multireligious service is held at the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

4 p.m. — The pope visits Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem.

5 p.m. — He will lead a procession through Central Park . About 80,000 tickets were awarded by the city in a lottery pick .

6 p.m. — Mass is held in Madison Square Garden. The chair he will sit on was built by mostly immigrant day laborers. Young men at Lincoln Hall Boys Haven in Lincolndale built the altar.

Saturday, Sept. 26

8:40 a.m. — Pope Francis departs New York for Philadelphia through John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Philadelphia

9:30 a.m. — Arrives at Atlantic Aviation.

10:30 a.m. — Mass is held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

4:45 p.m. — The pope visits Independence Mall — the birthplace of American democracy. This historic area of Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed.

7:30 p.m. — Pope Francis stops by the Festival of Families on Benjamin Franklin Parkway and holds a prayer vigil with the World Meeting of Families — the largest meeting of Catholic families held every three years. Singer Arethra Franklin will perform for the Pope as well as Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Colombian singer/songwriter Juanes, the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Fray, comedian Jim Gaffigan and Mark Wahlberg — who will host the event.

Sunday, Sept. 27

9:15 a.m. — He holds a papal meeting with bishops at St. Martin's Chapel of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, right outside Philadelphia.

11 a.m. — The pope visits Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. Inmates at a neighboring prison — Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center — built the chair that the pope will sit on. Several inmates learned carpentry through vocational workshops.

4 p.m. — Mass is held with the World Meeting of Families.

7 p.m. — At Atlantic Aviation, he talks with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families . Philadelphia International Airport expects 20%-25% more passengers traveling during the pope's visit — that's similar to a very busy Thanksgiving holiday.

8 p.m. — Pope Francis departs for Rome.

Pope Francis Comes to New York City

Continuing his American tour, Pope Francis arrived in New York City Thursday afternoon, where he was greeted by a crowd of thousands along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, and then led evening prayers at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

More than 1,000 priests were in attendance, in the newly renovated cathedral, among the crowd of more than 2,400 people.

As he made his way to the front of the church, Francis turned to a girl in a wheelchair and blessed her.

Francis then opened his remarks for the Thursday vespers, or evening service, with a greeting for his “Muslim brothers and sisters” and expressing sorrow “in the face of tragedy” suffered near Mecca, where a horrific stampede left 700 people dead .

“At this moment I assure you of our prayers,” he said, beginning his homily in Spanish.

Francis also spoke of the spirit of gratitude, generosity and warned of the dangers of materialism and “worldly comforts.”

“Little by little, it diminishes our spirit of sacrifice,” he said, adding that it “alienates us” from those suffer poverty.

Related: Pope Francis' Speech Could Turn Him Into a Liberal Icon

Francis received mass applause when he gave thanks to the nuns and religious women of the United States.

“What would the church be without you?” he asked, praising their strength and “spirit of courage.”

“To you, religious women, sisters and mothers of these people, I wish to say thank you,” he said.

Following his homily, Francis received a standing ovation.

After the service, Francis left St. Patrick’s in a motorcade, heading toward the Vatican’s diplomatic residence on the Upper East Side.

Francis' other stops in New York City include the United Nations and Madison Square, as well as a somber visit to the September 11 Memorial. And there's a processional through the famed Central Park.

Spending just under two days in the city, Pope Francis will be following the steps of millions of T-shirt-clad sightseers.

The pope arrived in New York Thursday after taking off from Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington on Thursday afternoon.

At the top of the steps to the airplane, he turned, removed his white skull cap, smiled and waved goodbye.

He flew into Kennedy Airport, where his greeting party included Cardinal Timothy Dolan and 200 indigent people. After a helicopter ride from Queens to Manhattan, Francis then took his motorcade along Fifth Avenue for the service at St. Patrick's.

Related: Good Samaritan Gives Denver Man Free Ticket to See Pope Francis

The streets were lined with throngs of Francis fans who'd waited for hours — if not a lifetime — to see the pope.

"It was like feeling the Holy Spirit over everyone. He represent Jesus christ so it was the Holy Spirit here to reaffirm our faith," said Teddy Thongratnachat, 23, a student at New York's John Jay College who caught a glimpse of the pope on his way to the church. "It was just happiness and joy to be one with the church in communion with Christ."

He added, "When you see the pope you'll feel the Holy Spirit that's what is tell everyone."

"Words cannot express, it's a nice feeling. I was screaming it was so joyful," said Nancy Williams, 54, who works for the NYC Board of Education, and waited in the crowd to see the pontiff. "It's like a wedding, I will never forget it."

Pope Francis started his Manhattan trip in his familiar Fiat 500 before switching to the open-air Popemobile along Fifth Avenue. The pontiff was greeted by cathedral bells and the cheers of thousands outside St. Patrick’s where he was met by both New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio.

"I was raised Catholic and I’ve been to Rome and been to the Vatican, never caught a glimpse of the pope there," said New Yorker Julian Dearmas, 50. "But I’m more so here for my mom who recently passed away because she would have done anything to be here today, more for her than for me that I would like to see him."

Sylvia Arce, 39, was in town from Fracis' home country of Argentina.

"I saw him when he wasn’t pope ... now I would like to see him again as the pope, so we are very emotional and want to see him," said Arce. "For me he is the best pope in the world — I think he did a lot of good things and I would like to see him."

The pontiff speaks to the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, then visits the 9/11 Memorial and goes to Madison Square Garden for a Mass with thousands of people.

Then it's on to Philadelphia for the weekend.

Francis made a last round of greetings and selfies with Washington-area students, pausing to pat a little girl's face and touch boys' heads as he made his way to the black Fiat carrying him to Andrews Air Force Base.

Tracy Jarrett is an award-winning digital reporter for NBC News. She started this role in September 2013 after completing the News Associates program where she contributed to Dateline, Nightly News, TODAY and nbcnews.com. Jarrett joined NBC after completing a GlobalPost-Kaiser Global Health Reporting Fellowship where she traveled to South Africa to report on women living with HIV. Jarrett's work with NBC and GlobalPost has allowed her to participate in international fellowships through the International Center for Journalists and the UN Foundation. 

Jarrett graduated from the Columbia School of Journalism in 2012 and Amherst College in 2011.

She lives in New York City.

Daniella Silva is a national reporter for NBC News, focusing on immigration and education.

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New York Latinos look forward to Pope Francis's visit: 'He brings change'

Among Catholic Latinos, the pope’s dynamism, plain speaking, and roots in Latin America have sparked devotion and pride – and plenty of baking – before his visit

M argarita Flores doesn’t have tickets to any events in Pope Francis’s visit to New York, but she has vowed not to let that stop her from attending the pontiff’s procession through Central Park next Friday – even if that means sneaking past police.

After all, she saw two previous popes during their own historic visits to the city, and she’s determined to see their successor. “I’m a short person,” said the 64-year-old Bronx resident, who has a houseful of mementos from Masses held in New York by popes Benedict and John Paul II. “I’m sure I can get past some of those big guys.”

She’s not alone in her excitement. Among New York’s Catholic Latinos, Pope Francis’s dynamism and plain speaking have sparked devotion and pride, as well plenty of anticipation and preparation for his visit from 24-26 September. Latinos have been literally hands on in preparing for the pope’s visit: a group of immigrant carpenters built the chair, pulpit and altar that the pope will use during Mass at Madison Square Garden on 25 September, and a group of Latina seamstresses are embroidering linens for the Pope’s visit to an East Harlem Catholic school, where he will meet with students and immigrants.

Heavily Latino churches like Our Lady of Fatima in the borough of Queens, which credit an uptick in Latino church attendance to Francis are organizing viewing events as well as vigils to pray for the pope.

And then there’s Natalia Corridori, who hails from Pope Francis’s native Buenos Aires and is the manager of Artuso Bakery in the Bronx. She created a cookie decorated with a picture of the pope, and has sold nearly 20,000 since the sweet’s 2013 debut. These days, the bakery is selling 200 per day, and Corridori expects that number to climb into the thousands the week of the pope’s visit.

Corridori, who is has petitioned the Archdiocese of New York to sell the treats at the mass in Madison Square Garden, couldn’t be happier. “I absolutely felt a sense of pride when he was elected, not just because he’s an Argentinian pope, but because he’s a fan of San Lorenzo [a Buenos Aires football club],” Corridori says. “But aside from that he brings change to the Catholic Church that we haven’t seen in a long time, and he’s a humble individual.”

Yet for all the excitement it’s causing, Pope Francis’s visit comes at a time when the influence of the church among US Latinos has plummeted. According to studies by the Pew Hispanic and Georgetown University’s Center for the Applied Research of the Apostolate , the proportion of adult US Latinos who identify as Catholic has fallen from two-thirds of the population to just over half. Despite the church’s efforts to expand the Hispanic lay leadership and despite its support for undocumented immigrants, Latinos are leaving Catholicism for evangelical congregations or abandoning organized religion altogether.

It’s a measure of the rise of evangelism among Latinos that when Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis to the White House this month, Reverand Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference –which represents some 40,000 evangelical congregations – will be present.

Rodriguez says his organization had ramped up efforts to reach more Latinos, including partnering with Trinity Broadcast Network to launch a TV network aimed at young English-dominant Latinos, TBN Salsa, in June. He credits evangelical churches’ contemporary music worship, an emphasis on a direct relationship with God, and a message of personal and spiritual empowerment with the success in drawing Latinos.

“The Catholic church doesn’t necessarily teach you to be empowered,” Rodriguez says. “It talks about surviving, and to a degree, reinforces that poverty as a blessing. We say, come and experience God in such a way that you will receive power not just to survive but to thrive. I’m not talking about owning three Mercedes. It’s the idea that God has better things for you so you can become a blessing to others.”

That messaging may attract many Latinos, but doesn’t speak to young Latino adults like Flores’ daughter, Paula Creary. When she became disillusioned with Catholicism , she didn’t join a Protestant church – she left organized religion altogether. “I went through baptism, communion, confirmation, went to an all-girls Catholic school, the works,” says Creary, 26. “Back then I was very connected to the church, because it was a family thing.”

But as a teen, Creary began to question the church’s stance on gay marriage and other issues. She says parochial school teachers’ focus on eternal punishment for sins rather than positive aspects of faith turned her off and attending heavily structured masses left her spiritually unfulfilled. “It doesn’t speak to my lifestyle, and I feel like it also hasn’t kept up with the times,” Creary says.

At the same time, she made friends with diverse religious beliefs and she found herself building her own brand of spirituality from sources as diverse as Buddhism and Wicca: these days she practices meditation and burns bundles of sage at home to “attract good energy”, she says. “I’m open to everything now. I’m searching for peace of mind, having a good sense of self where I don’t carry negative energy and I’m connected with my community, friends, and family.”

At Our Lady of Fatima in Queens, Reverand Edwin Lozada believes he’s found a strategy to bring back lapsed and former Catholics: adopting Pope Francis’s own way of addressing the faithful, which Lozada calls a combination of substance and simplicity of language.

“Before I was a priest I would sit in church and the homily would go right over my head,” says Lozada, who was recruited from Colombia to come to Queens. “When you hear this pope you understand what he’s saying. It’s deep but it’s accessible. That’s what I realized I had to speak like. I understood that people were feeling unmotivated by the homily, feeling like they were scolded.”

As a result, he says, many members stopped attending Mass or shopping around for other parishes. “People like when you deliver a message that connects to real life and you bring it back to Jesus and the gospel,” he says. “It’s gratifying when I hear people say, I truly understood what you said.”

At a recent Sunday mass in Spanish, some 800 people – nearly double the amount just two years ago – pressed into the church’s pews or stood along the outer aisles to hear Lozada’s message on compassion. After asking why Jesus would heal a deaf or mute person, he answered his own question. “Because beyond charity, they had something to hear, and something to say.” He paused to let the message sink in. “It’s so important to see people and equate other people’s worth with yours, no matter what the difference.”

That’s the kind of message Margarita Flores hopes that her daughter has the opportunity to hear once again from the lips of a Catholic priest, and says hasn’t given up hope that someday, Creary will return to the fold. “There’s something about the Catholic Church that brings you back,” she says, simply.

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History Of Papal Visits To New York City

September 9, 2015 / 12:08 PM EDT / CBS New York

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It took 20 centuries for a pope to set foot in the United States, and since then New York City has become a popular stop for papal visits.

"Greetings to you, America," said Pope Paul VI as he arrived at Kennedy Airport 50 years ago in October 1965.

50 Years Of Pope Visits To NYC

According to the New York Times, 18,000 police officers stood guard on his 25-mile route through New York.

During his trip, the pope met with then-President Lyndon Johnson, addressed the United Nations, visited St. Patrick's Cathedral, celebrated Mass at Yankee Stadium and visited the Vatican Exhibit at the New York World's Fair.

Fourteen years later, Pope John Paul II marveled at the metropolis during Mass at Madison Square Garden and in the South Bronx his message was "do not abandon yourselves to despair."

He returned in 1995, celebrating Mass on the Great Lawn in Central Park, where 125,000 people gathered in the mud and under gray skies.

In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI held Mass at a standing room only Yankee Stadium and prayed at ground zero.

Next up is Pope Francis, who will visit New York City later this month.

He will arrive at Kennedy Airport from Washington, D.C. on Sept. 24 and attend evening prayer at St. Patrick's Cathedral . The next day, he will address the United Nations General Assembly, host an interfaith service at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, visit a school in East Harlem , take a motorcade through Central Park and celebrate Mass at Madison Square Garden .

He will depart for Philadelphia on the morning of Sept. 26. For a complete schedule of the pope's upcoming visit, click here .

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A group of nuns await Pope Francis' celebration of evening prayers at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on Sept. 24, 2015.

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Pope Francis leads mass at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City. Pope Francis is visiting New York City during a six-day tour of the United States, with stops in Washington D.C., New York City and Philadelphia, PA.

TONY GENTILE/Reuters

Pope Francis shakes hands with an inmate during a meeting with prisoners at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015.

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Pope Francis shakes hands as he attends a multi-religious service for the victims of 9/11, at the 9/11 Memorial in New York, on Sept. 25, 2015. Pope Francis, who has built a wide global following for his reform-minded views, is on a five-day official visit to the US.

Robert Sabo/New York Daily News

Pope Francis is joined by Cardinal Timothy Dolan at the South Tower pool while remembering those who lost their lives during the September 11 terrorist attacks. Moments later, Pope Francis led a multi-faith service inside the 9/11 Museum on Sept. 25, 2015.

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A nun holds a U.S. flag during an arrival ceremony for Pope Francis at the White House in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015. The pontiff is on his first visit to the United States.

REUTERS/Michael Appleton/The New York Times/POOL

A choir sings at a mass lead by Pope Francis at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 25, 2015.

BRIAN SNYDER/Reuters

Tenor Andrea Bocelli sings as the pontiff attends the Festival of Families in Philadelphia on Sept. 26, 2015.

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Pope Francis watches dancers on stage during the Festival of Families on Sept. 26, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 24, 2015 in Washington, DC. Pope Francis is the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress and will finish his tour of Washington later today before traveling to New York City.

Theodore Parisienne for New York Daily News

Pope Francis is all smiles and waves as he rides his popemobile through Central Park before thousands of onlookers on Sept. 25, 2015.

Susan Watts/New York Daily News

The religious flock to St. Patrick's Cathedral in anticipation of Pope Francis's evening prayer service on Sept. 24, 2015.

Cliff Owen/AP Photos

Pope Francis greets well-wishers as he departs the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission inWashington on Sept. 23, 2015. Pope Francis will visit the White House where President Barack Obama will host a state arrival ceremony

Marcus Santos/New York Daily News

NYPD officers patrol the front of St. Patrick's Cathedral in preparation of the arrival of Pope Francis.

A group of nuns cheers during Pope Francis' celebration of evening prayers at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, September 24, 2015. REUTERS/Tony Gentile

MANDEL NGAN/Getty Images

US President Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis to the White House on Sept. 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama hosts Pope Francis at the White House for the first time Wednesday, warmly embracing the Catholic pontiff seen as both a moral authority and potent political ally.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (c.) is greeted as he arrives for Pope Francis' speech before the U.S. Congress in Washington on Sept. 24 2015.

Pope Francis celebrates his final mass of his visit to the United States at the Festival of Families on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sept. 27, 2015.

The religious flock to St. Patrick's Cathedral to see Pope Francis's evening prayer service on Thursday September 24, 2015 - (Susan Watts/New York Daily News)

Alex Brandon/Pool/AP Photo

Thousands of people in the crowd wave to Pope Francis as he participates in a parade along the Ellipse and the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Sept. 23, 2015.

JONATHAN ERNST/Reuters

U.S. President Barack Obama (l.) greets Pope Francis upon his arrival at the White House in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015.

Susan Walsh/AP Photo

Pope Francis greets children and receives flowers as he is escorted by President Barack Obama after arriving at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland on Sept. 22, 2015.

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

The Combined Choirs of St. Charles Borromeo sing gospel songs prior to a Mass to be celebrated by Pope Francis at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City.

Tony Gentile/Pool Photo via AP

Pope Francis kisses a baby as he arrives to Independence Mall on Sept. 26, 2015, before delivering a speech in front of Independence Hall, in Philadelphia.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

Pope Francis and U.S. President Barack Obama during the arrival ceremony at the White House on Sept. 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. The Pope begins his first trip to the United States at the White House followed by a visit to St. Matthew's Cathedral, and will then hold a Mass on the grounds of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

NICHOLAS KAMM/Getty Images

A beautiful sunrise welcomes in the new day at the Capital just hours before Pope Francis addresses a Joint Session of Congress on the third day of his six-day visit to the US. Thousands of people waited hours to get a glimpse of the pope at the US Capitol.

Pope Francis visits the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City on Sept. 25, 2015 and prays at "Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning" by Spencer Finch. Reposed behind this blue wall are the remains of many who perished at the World Trade Center site on Sept. 11, 2001.

Italian classical tenor Andrea Bocelli shakes hands with Pope Francis after he sang "The Lord's Prayer" for the Holy Father in Philadelphia during the Festival of Families on Sept. 26, 2015.

CRAIG RUTTLE/AP

Pope Francis kisses Maria Teresa Heyer, a 1st grade student from Brooklyn as the pope is greeted by Heyer and other students who gave hime gifts as he arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sept. 24, 2015.

CARLO ALLEGRI/Reuters

Police stand in line on a street ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral for evening prayers on Sept. 24, 2015.

Pope Francis presides over evening prayers at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on Sept. 24, 2015.

The pontiff received a standing ovation inside St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Andrew Harnik/AP Photo

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet Pope Francis during a state arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015.

Pope Francis speaks during at the White House on Sept. 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama hosts Pope Francis at the White House for the first time Wednesday, warmly embracing the Catholic pontiff seen as both a moral authority and potent political ally.

JIM BOURG/Reuters

Pope Francis celebrates his final mass of his visit to the United States at the Festival of Families on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Sept. 27, 2015.

U.S. President Barack Obama (l.) looks back at Pope Francis as he delivers remarks upon the pontiff's arrival at the White House in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

President Barack Obama (l.) warmly greets Pope Francis (r.) upon his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Sept. 22, 2015.

DEBBIE EGAN-CHIN/DAILY NEWS

Pope Francis arrives in New York at JFK airport. Thursday  September 24, 2015

U.S. President Barack Obama escorts Pope Francis (l.) towards the Oval Office as the pontiff is welcomed to the White House during a ceremony in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015.

Evan Vucci/AP Photo

Pope Francis reads from his script as he addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 24, 2015, making history as the first pontiff to do so.

Pope Francis addresses a joint session of Congress on Sept. 24, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Pope is the first leader of the Roman Catholic Church to address a joint meeting of Congress, including more than 500 lawmakers, Supreme Court justices and top administration officials including Vice President Joe Biden.

Matt Rourke-Pool/Getty Images

Pope Francis celebrates Sunday Mass at Benjamin Franklin Parkway Sept. 27, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis concludes his tour of the U.S. with events in Philadelphia on Saturday and Sunday.

AFP PHOTO/POOL/Todd Heislertodd heisler/AFP/Getty Images

Pope Francis greets corrections officers at the Curran-Fromhold Correction Facility in Philadelphia, during his visit on Sept. 27, 2015.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Pope Francis (3rd L) celebrates mass during the World Meeting of Families on Sept. 27, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis wrapped up his United States tour with the World Meeting of Families Papal Mass during on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

US Vice President Joe Biden (c.) speaks with clergy before the arrival of Pope Francis at the White House on Sept. 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama will host Pope Francis at the White House for the first time Wednesday, warmly embracing the Catholic pontiff seen as both a moral authority and potent political ally.

Pope Francis (c.) presides over a Canonization Mass for Friar Junipero Serra inside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. on Sept. 23, 2015. This is the first mass Pope Francis has held on U.S. soil.

DAMON WINTER/Getty Images

Pope Francis makes his way down 5th Avenue in New York City to St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on Sept. 24, 2015.

ANDREW BURTON/Getty Images

Kelli O'Hara sings "The Lord's Prayer" prior to a mass led by Pope Francis at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City.

CARLOS BARRIA/Reuters

People pack the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol to see Pope Francis appear on the Speaker's balcony before his speech to the U.S. Congress in Washington on Sept. 24 2015

Pope Francis presides over evening prayers at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, on Sept. 24, 2015.

Debbie Egan-Chin/New York Daily News

Pope Francis arrives in New York and greets Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, left, and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, far left, at JFK airport on Sept. 24, 2015.

Gerard Gubatan,27, has cerebral palsy wait is thrilled to see Pope Francis in New York at JFK airport. Thursday September 24, 2015 Debbie Egan-Chin/New York Daily News POPE FRANCIS

U.S. President Barack Obama sits with Pope Francis (l.) in the Oval Office as the pontiff is welcomed to the White House during a ceremony in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015.

Tom Gralish/The Philadelphia Inquirer, Pool

Pope Francis greets seminarians as he walks the loggia to his address to the Bishops at St. Martin of Tours Chapel at St.Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, PA on Sept. 27, 2015.

MOLLY RILEY/Getty Images

Pope Francis takes a photo with children whose parents work at the Lithuanian Embassy, outside the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States on Sept. 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.

Cliff Owen/AP Photo

Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up while greeting school children before departing the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Washington on Sept. 24, 2015, en route to the Capitol to address a joint meeting of Congress.

ROBERT SABO/New York Daily News

Pope Francis, accompanied by Timothy Cardinal Dolan (left), enters St. Patrick's Cathedral on Thursday night.

US President Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis to the White House on Sept. 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.

Richard Drew/AP

Pope Francis? motorcade moves through New York City streets, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, on the way to St. Patrick?s Cathedral where he will lead an evening prayer service. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, Pool)

Julie Jacobson/AP Photo

Pope Francis blesses the Eucharist with incense while celebrating mass at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 25, 2015, in New York.

BRENDAN MCDERMID/Reuters

Security personnel watch from the back of a vehicle as Pope Francis tours Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem in New York on Sept. 25, 2015.

Carl Court/Getty Images

Pope Francis waves as he drives along Benjamin Franklin Parkway to lead Mass in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015. Pope Francis is on the final day of his trip to the United States and will conduct Mass and meet with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families before returning to Rome this evening.

People pack the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol to see Pope Francis appear on the Speaker's balcony during his speech to the U.S. Congress in Washington on Sept. 24 2015.

Pope Francis (l.) poses with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the United Nations in New York, where he will become the fourth pontiff to address the whole body on Sept. 25, 2015. Pope Francis is expected to address climate change and the migrant crisis as he did in front of Congress and in speeches around Washington.

Pope Francis signs a guest book as he meets with United Nations Secretary Ban Ki-moon (not pictured) at the United Nations in New York on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York.

GARY CAMERON/Reuters

Pope Francis rides down Constitution Avenue in his Popemobile in Washington on day two of his first visit to the United States in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015. Pope Francis met with U.S. President Obama earlier this morning.

Richard Drew/Pool/AP Photo

New York City police officers watch over the pope mobile as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis on Sept. 24, 2015.

Pope Francis applauds as the legendary Aretha Franklin as she walks onstage to sing for him during the Festival of Families in Philadelphia on Sept. 26, 2015.

Pope Francis shakes hands with members of the congregation after delivering an evening prayer at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sept. 24, 2015.

Pope Francis enters the cathedral on Sept. 24, 2015 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York.

ALEX BRANDON/Getty Images

People cheer before a parade for Pope Francis, on Sept. 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Pope Francis share a laugh as President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama (r.) welcomed the Pontiff upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington on Sept. 22, 2015.

REUTERS/Thomas A. Ferrara/Newsday/POOL

Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Pope Francis, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, look upon a broken piece of steel from the World Trade Center as they tour the 9/11 memorial and museum in New York on Sept. 25, 2015.

Richard Drew-Pool/Getty Images

Thousands watch Pope Francis ride in the popemobile through Central Park on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City. The pope is in New York on a two-day visit carrying out a number of engagements, including celebrating Mass in Madison Square Garden.

Pope Francis walks aboard the papal plane while en route to Italy on Sept. 28, 2015. The pope left the United States on Sunday night, departing from Philadelphia International Airport on an American Airlines flight to Rome.

CHAD RACHMAN/AFP/Getty Images

Pope Francis walks down the aisle of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, as he arrives to celebrate vespers on September 24, 2015. AFP PHOTO/POOL/CHAD RACHMANCHAD RACHMAN/AFP/Getty Images

Pope Francis touches a student's head as he visits Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem in New York on Sept. 25, 2015.

The Pope has landed! After spending some time in Cuba, Pope Francis has finally arrived in the United States to begin his five-day visit for the first time ever. Here, Pope Francis descends the air stairs from his aircraft upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington on Sept. 22, 2015.

TONY GENTILE/Getty Images

US President Barack Obama shakes hands with Pope Francis as the pontiff is welcomed to the White House during a ceremony in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015.

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/Getty Images

German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives to hear Pope Francis speaks at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 25, 2015.

Pope Francis' airplane is seen in the sky before touching down at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland for his first visit to the Uniter States as pope.

Pope Francis (r.) poses with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the United Nations in New York on Sept. 25, 2015.

Steve Helber/AP Photo

Pope Francis blesses the altar for the Canonization Mass of Blessed Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. on Sept. 23, 2015.

Robert Deutsch/AP

Audience members await the entrance of Pope Francis before he leads an evening prayer service at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sept. 24, 2015, in New York.

REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Actor Mark Wahlberg speaks as Pope Francis (L, rear) attends the Festival of Families rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sept. 26, 2015.

U.S. President Barack Obama (l.) stands with Pope Francis during an arrival ceremony for the pope at the White House in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015. The pontiff is on his first visit to the United States.

JIM WATSON/AFP Photo

US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Pope Francis wave during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on Sept. 23, 2015. More than 15,000 people packed the South Lawn for a full ceremonial welcome on Pope Francis' historic maiden visit to the United States.

Pearl Gabel/REUTERS

Well-wishers hold images of Pope Francis while waiting outside of St. Patrick's Cathedral ahead of his visit to Manhattan, New York September 24, 2015. Pope Francis is scheduled to attend evening prayer services at St. Patrick's Cathedral. REUTERS/Pearl Gabel

ANDREW KELLY/Reuters

Pope Francis addresses attendees in the opening ceremony to commence a plenary meeting of the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit 2015 at the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan, New York on Sept. 25, 2015.

Pope Francis departs an airplane after he arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sept. 24, 2015, in New York.

CRAIG RUTTLE/AP/POOL

Pope Francis kisses Maria Teresa?Heyer, a 1st grade student from Brooklyn as the pope is greeted by Heyer and other students who gave hime gifts as he arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, in New York. The pope is on a five-day trip to the USA, which includes stops in Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia, after a three-day stay in Cuba. (Craig Ruttle/AP/POOL)

AP Photo/Michael Perez

Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia is lit up at dusk and lined with tens of thousands of people as Pope Francis makes his way along the thoroughfare on Sept. 26, 2015. The pontiff attended a music-and-prayer festival there Saturday night to close out the World Meeting of Families, a Vatican-sponsored conference of more than 18,000 people from around the world.

Pope Francis talks aboard the papal plane while en route to Italy on Sept. 28, 2015. The pope left the United States on Sunday night, departing from Philadelphia International Airport on an American Airlines flight to Rome.

U.S. President Barack Obama (r.) smiles as Pope Francis shakes hands with first lady Michelle Obama as the Obama's daughters Malia (l.) and Sasha look on upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington on Sept. 22, 2015.

S First Lady Michelle Obama, US Vice President Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden, Ethel Kennedy and US Secretary of State John Kerry attend the arrival ceremony for Pope Francis on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on Sept. 23, 2015. More than 15,000 people packed the South Lawn for a full ceremonial welcome on Pope Francis' historic maiden visit to the United States.

Pope Francis smiles as he enters Madison Square Garden to lead a mass before an audience estimated at 20,000 in New York City on Sept. 25, 2015.

Pope Francis enters the cathedral on Sept. 24, 2015. The service was conducted before a congregation of men and women clergy, heads of archdioceses and special guests.

Pope Francis presides over a Canonization Mass for Friar Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015. The mass was delivered in Spanish, the pope's native tongue, as he has become an icon to Hispanics as the first Latino pope.

Pope Francis arrives in New York and greets Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio,center, and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, 2nd left, at JFK airport. Thursday September 24, 2015.

Pope Francis kisses the cross at the entrance to the cathedral on Sept. 24, 2015 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York.

Mindy Schauer/AP

Pope Francis makes his way into the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, as people cheer him on. He held a canonized mass for Father Junipero Serra on his first U.S. visit. (Mindy Schauer/The Orange County Register via AP)

MATT ROURKE/AFP/Getty Images

Comedian Jim Gaffigan performs during the Festival of Families where Pope Francis is scheduled to appear in Philadelphia on Sept. 26, 2015.

Pope Francis in New York gets on US Marines helicopter at JFK airport. Thursday September 24, 2015 Debbie Egan-Chin/New York Daily News POPE FRANCIS

New York City Mayor Bill de blasio stands with New York Senator Charles Schumer (R) ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral for evening prayers in New York City on Sept. 24, 2015.

President Barack Obama walk out of the White House in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015, to greet Pope Francis for a state arrival ceremony on the South Lawn.

AFP PHOTO/JEWEL SAMADJEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

Pope Francis waves during a parade to an open-air mass at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sept. 27, 2015.

Pope Francis waves to the enthusiastic crowd as he arrives at the Festival of Families rally along Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on Sept. 26, 2015.

JIM WATSON/Getty Images

Pope Francis, accompanied by Cardinal Timothy Dolan prays with a group of students as he visits Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem in New York on Sept. 25, 2015.

Immigration reform activists hold a banner in front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Sept. 24, 2015 before Pope Francis addresses a Joint Session of Congress on the third day of his six-day visit to the US.

Pope Francis arrives at the 9/11 Memorial to lead a multi-faith service on Sept. 25, 2015.

AP Photo/David Goldman

Sisters with Handmade at the Heart of Jesus, out of New Ulm, Minn., cheer as Pope Francis drives by during a parade along Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sept. 26, 2015, in Philadelphia.

Matt Rourke/AP Photo

Pope Francis, lower center, celebrates his final mass in Philadelphia during his six-day visit to the United States on Sept. 27, 2015.

Pope Francis smiles as he addresses inmates during his visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015.

People wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the White House on Sept. 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama will host Pope Francis at the White House for the first time Wednesday, warmly embracing the Catholic pontiff seen as both a moral authority and potent political ally.

Jennifer Hudson sings "Hallelujah" prior to a mass led by Pope Francis at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City.

Pope Francis looks out the window of his plane before departing Philadelphia on September 27, 2015 at the end of his six-day visit to the US.

John Minchillo/AP Photo

Pope Francis traveled to the United States for the first time on Sept. 22, 2015 for a five-day tour of Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. During his visit, the Pope met with President Obama and addressed Congress for the first time, particularly urging the country to open its arms to refugees and advocating for the abolition of the death penalty. In New York City he visited the 9/11 memorial, held mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and spoke at the U.N. General Assembly, speaking mainly about climate change. His visit to each city brought thousands of excited spectators and increased security.

Pope Francis rides through Central Park in the popemobile on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City. The Pope is in New York on a two-day visit, speaking earlier at the United Nations General-Assembly and celebrating Mass in Madison Square Garden.

Pope Francis, center left, blesses cancer-survivor Sandra Lee, partner of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, at the South Pool of the 9/11 Memorial in downtown Manhattan on Sept. 25, 2015, in New York.

Pope Francis engages well wishes including Gerard Gubatan of Brooklyn after arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sept. 24, 2015, in New York.

Todd Maisel/New York Daily News

Pope Francis arrived in Pope mobile to St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan. HERE, the Pope leaves in a Fiat. 9-24-15 (Todd Maisel/New York Daily News)

AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool

The Rev. Jesse Jackson arrives at the Festival of Families on Sept. 26, 2015, ahead of Pope Francis' arrival in Philadelphia.

Gardiner Anderson for New York Daily News

Pope Francis arrives by helicopter to the Wall Street Heliport in Manhattan, New York City on Thursday, September 24 2015. (Gardiner Anderson for New York Daily News)

School children wait for Pope Francis to depart the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015. President Barack will host Pope Francis during a state visit at the White House.

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Attendees, waiting hours to hear Pope Francis speak at Independence Hall later in the day, watch on large screens as he celebrates mass at a nearby cathedral in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sept. 26, 2015.

Alex Brandon/AP Photo

Pope Francis holds the head of a small child as he leans from the popemobile during a parade on Sept. 23, 2015, in Washington.

Pope Francis attends a multi-religious service for the victims of 9/11 in New York on Sept. 25, 2015. Pope Francis, who has built a wide global following for his reform-minded views, is on a five-day official visit to the US.

Michael Perez/AP Photo

Thousands of people gathered at Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the Papal Mass on Sept. 27, 2015. Pope Francis is in Philadelphia for the last leg of his six-day visit to the United States.

VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images

Pope Francis' cape is lifted by the wind as he speaks at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Sept. 26, 2015.

People watch Pope Francis on a large screen television from the West Front of the Capitol in Washington on Sept. 24, 2015, as the Pope speaks inside before a joint meeting of Congress. The Pope Francis is the first pontiff in history to speak before a joint meeting of Congress.

Nuns share a joke as they eagerly await Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral for an evening prayer service on Sept. 24, 2015.

Harry Connick Jr. sings during a pre-Mass program in preparation for the arrival of Pope Francis who is to celebrate Mass at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 25, 2015.

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is in attendance at St. Patrick's Cathedral in anticipation of Pope Francis' evening prayer service on Sept. 24, 2015.

Pope Francis blesses an inmate as he meets with prisoners at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015.

The religious flock to St. Patrick's Cathedral to see Pope Francis's evening prayer service on Thursday September 24, 2015  - (Susan Watts/New York Daily News)

Pope Francis is accompanied by Cardinal Timothy Dolan (c.) as he visits Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem in New York on Sept. 25, 2015.

Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo

Inocencia Polanco, of Philadelphia and originally form the Dominican Republic, center in hat, joined by Freddy Espana of Honduras, left in striped shirt, and Maria Zuleta of Columbia, low center in white, pray a novena together as they crowd into Independence Mall ahead of Pope Francis' speech outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Sept. 26, 2015.

Pope Francis embraces Cardinal Timothy Dolan after presiding over evening prayers at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on Sept. 24, 2015.

Marie Eveleth, of Washington, N.J., wears earnings that spell out 'pope' as she sells them to pedestrians around City Hall before Pope Francis comes through the area for a parade in Philadelphia on Sept. 26, 2015.

The pontiff waves as he rides up Fith Ave. toward St. Patrick's Cathedral prior to evening services.

MICHAEL APPLETON/The New York Times/POOL

Pope Francis takes to the stage to lead a mass in front of a staggering 20,000 people at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 25, 2015.

Vice President Joe Biden, second from right, and his wife Jill Biden, left, say goodbye to Pope Francis, right, as he prepares to depart Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015, on his way back to the Vatican.

Parishioners wait patiently for the Pope to arrive on Sept. 24, 2015 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York.

Pope Francis waves to those gathered in Philadelphia as he makes his way to his last mass service in the US on Sept. 27, 2015.

REUTERS/Susan Watts/Daily News/POOL

Pope Francis is guided through the 9/11 Memorial by Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (l.) and Cardinal Timothy Dolan (r.), pictured here standing next to a segment of the radio and television antenna that was atop the North Tower.

Rob Carr/Getty Images

Pope Francis arrives for the canonization Mass for Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Sept. 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C. Junipero Serra was an 18th century Spanish Franciscan friar who founded a mission in Baja, California to bring Christianity to the indigenous population. This is the first-ever canonization by a Pope on U.S. soil.

A woman shows off her rosary while waiting outside of St. Patrick's Cathedral ahead of the Pope Francis' visit to Manhattan, New York September 24, 2015. Pope Francis is scheduled to attend evening prayer services at St. Patrick's Cathedral. REUTERS/Pearl Gabel

Pope Francis arrived in the Popemobile to St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan on Sept. 24, 2015.

The Combined Choirs of St. Charles Borromeo sing gospel songs prior to a mass led by Pope Francis at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City.

A group of nuns excitedly await Pope Francis' celebration of evening prayers at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on Sept. 24, 2015.

REUTERS/Jewel Samad/POOL

Pope Francis arrives in his popemobile for the Festival of Families along Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on Sept. 26, 2015.

Alessandra Tarantino/AP Photo

The Pope hugs a wheelchair-bound fan during the World Meeting of Families on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sept. 26, 2015. Hundreds of thousands of Roman Catholics made the pilgrimage to Philadelphia to see Pope Francis on the last leg of his visit to the United States, where they hoped to catch a glimpse of the popular pontiff.

Pope Francis waves as he departs the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Washington on Sept. 24, 2015, en route to the Capitol to address a joint meeting of Congress.

Pope Francis touches a student's face as he visits Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem in New York on Sept. 25, 2015.

Mel Evans/AP Photo

Archbishop Charles Chaput, left, and Bishop Timothy Senior, right, listen as Pope Francis, addresses a gathering in Saint Martin's Chapel at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary on Sept. 27, 2015.

Pope Francis sprinkles Holy water at the entrance to the St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sept. 24, 2015 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York.

Nuns watch as Pope Francis leads Mass attended by thousands of the ticketed faithful at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sept. 25, 2015.

Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Madame Tussauds

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Madame Tussauds New York unveils a never-before-seen Pope Francis figure with a tour around New York City in a 'Pope Mobile' to celebrate the Pope's inaugural U.S. visit on September 24, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Madame Tussauds New York)

Gardiner Anderson/New York Daily News

Pope Francis arrives by helicopter to the Wall Street Heliport in Manhattan, New York City on Sept. 24 2015.

U.S. President Barack Obama (l.) and Pope Francis watch onstage as the "Old Guard" fife and drum corps marches past during an official welcome ceremony on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington on Sept. 23, 2015.

Pope Francis shakes hands with Vice President Joe Biden along with U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and other political and Catholic church leaders after arriving from Cuba on Sept. 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

REUTERS/Julio Cortez/AP/POOL

Pope Francis prays at the edge of the South Pool at the World Trade Center in New York, alongside Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani and Cardinal Timothy Dolan on Sept. 25, 2015.

REUTERS/Tom Gralish/Pool

Pope Francis poses with seminarians on the steps of St. Martin of Tours Chapel at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sept. 27, 2015.

People wait eagerly for Pope Francis to arrive in New York at JFK airport. Thursday September 24, 2015 Debbie Egan-Chin/New York Daily News POPE FRANCIS

People gather along Benjamin Franklin Parkway ahead of a Mass to be led by Pope Francis in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sept. 27, 2015. Pope Francis is on the final day of his trip to the United States and will conduct Mass and meet with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families before returning to Rome this evening.

Pope Francis waits to address the United Nations in New York on Sept. 25, 2015.

Filmmaker Martin Scorsese is among guests eagerly awaiting for Pope Francis to arrive for an evening prayer service at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sept. 24, 2015.

Pope Francis takes in the view from his automobile after his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Sept. 22, 2015.

AFP PHOTO/VINCENZO PINTO

Pope Francis is welcomed onstage with applause as he arrives for the Festival of Families in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sept. 26, 2015.

Pope Francis arrives for a plenary meeting of the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit 2015 at United Nations headquarters in Manhattan, New York on Sept. 25, 2015.

JIN LEE/Getty Images

Pope Francis visits Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem, in New York City on Sept. 25, 2015.

As entrances go, this one was divine.

Pope Francis touched down in New York City on Thursday to the strains of “New York, New York” and began his historic 39-hour pilgrimage to the city that never sleeps by taking a drive up Fifth Ave.

Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Francis paused to bless a young girl in a wheelchair and then got a standing ovation when he reached out to a group that has at times felt marginalized — the nuns who serve the church.

“To the religious women of the United States,” Francis said in his native Spanish. “What would the church be without you?”

Continuing his homily after a round of thunderous applause, the Pope said, “I wish to say thank you . . . and to tell you that I love you very much.”

LIVE BLOG: THE DAILY NEWS FOLLOWS THE POPE IN NEW YORK

When the prayer service was over, Timothy Cardinal Dolan asked the Pope to bless the recently refurbished cathedral.

“As soon as you walked through the doors, you became a New Yorker,” Dolan said to laughter and cheers. “Thank you for stopping by. Come back soon.”

Francis quickly obliged Dolan and gave a blessing, this time in English.

It was the dramatic start to Francis’ first-ever visit to New York City — a whirlwind sojourn that will take him from one end of Manhattan to the other.

And it came after Francis’ triumphant tour of Washington, during which he made history by becoming the first Pope to ever address a joint session of Congress .

THE WISDOM OF POPE FRANCIS

Francis landed at 5:23 p.m. at Kennedy Airport where he was met by Dolan, Brooklyn Diocese Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and hundreds of excited New Yorkers waving Vatican flags.

Just as he did when he landed Tuesday at Andrews Air Force base, Francis took off his white skull cap before climbing down the stairs to the tarmac from an American Airlines jet that has been christened Shepherd One.

Francis shook hands with the waiting clergymen and then made a beeline for five excited Catholic school students who handed him a book filled with poems and prayers penned by other students from across Brooklyn and Queens.

From there, Francis turned his attention to the waiting crowd, shaking dozens of hands, handing out Mass cards — and laughing with delight when somebody passed him a Pope Francis doll.

In the crowd was 12-year-old Julia Bruzzese of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, a student athlete who suddenly lost the ability to walk in May.

“I came here because I want the holy father to touch me and give me a blessing,” Julia said in tears. “I feel like he’ll make me feel better.”

MTA BOSS SAYS TRANSIT AGENCY CAN HANDLE BIG CROWDS TRAVELING TO SEE POPE FRANCIS

Julia’s prayers were answered when Francis put his hands on her forehead, nodded and gave her his blessing.

Meanwhile, a 43-member jazz band from Xavarian Catholic School in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, played Frank Sinatra’s anthem to New York City and “City of God” as Francis set foot in the city.

By 5:31 p.m., just eight minutes after his plane landed, Francis was on a U.S. Marines chopper headed across the East River to the heliport in lower Manhattan.

There, Francis climbed into his now famous Fiat 500L and headed uptown to Fifth Ave. and 54th St., where he climbed into the Popemobile at 6:30 p.m.

Thousands of excited New Yorkers pressed against the police barricades and cheered as Francis rode by, escorted by dozens of NYPD officers on motorcycles — and Dolan riding shotgun.

Smiling broadly, the 78-year-old leader of the Catholic church waved and blessed the cheering crowd, but unlike in Washington he didn’t stop to kiss any children — to the relief of the Secret Service agents and NYPD officers assigned to protect him.

Francis’ arrival at St. Pat’s was heralded by church bells that began ringing when he was several blocks away.

CALIFORNIA FAMILY VISITS D.C. TO SEE POPE FRANCIS AND GETS AN UNEXPECTED GIFT

Waiting for Francis at the entrance were Mayor de Blasio, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Gov. Cuomo, with whom he exchanged greetings in Italian. NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton attended the service as well.

Also standing on the steps of the iconic edifice were employees of Structure Tone, the family-owned business that oversaw the $177 million restoration — and students from Regis High School, the prestigious, Jesuit-run Roman Catholic high school on the Upper East Side.

Once Francis was inside, a choir burst into song and the worshipers began applauding, among them director Martin Scorsese, who excitedly recorded the Pope’s entrance on his phone.

As Francis made his way to the altar, he stopped to greet and bless people in the pews, paying particular attention to the children.

Francis began the prayer service with a greeting to “our Islamic brothers” who are mourning the deaths of more than 700 pilgrims who were killed in a stampede in Mecca.

He also tried to buck-up the priests who “suffered greatly” and have had to “bear the shame” of the pedophiles in their ranks.

Following vespers, Sandra Lee, Gov. Cuomo’s celebrity chef girlfriend, got a special blessing from the pontiff.

“Sandra Lee and the governor were extremely grateful for his kindness,” a Cuomo aide said.

Lee has been recovering from a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.

After the service, Francis climbed back into the Fiat and — waving at well-wishers from an open window — headed the wrong way up Fifth Ave. to the residence of the Vatican’s representative to the United Nations on E. 72nd St.

There he will spend the night — and rest up for Friday, his first full day in the city.

A couple hours before Francis arrived at St. Pat’s, Donald Trump popped out of the nearby tower that bears his name to see what the fuss was all about — only to be chased back inside by boos.

Just minutes before the Pope showed up, Trump appeared again on a balcony of his building and the crowd began chanting “Feo! Feo!” — the Spanish word for ugly.

Francis’ first stop on Friday is an 8:30 a.m. address to the UN General Assembly.

Then Francis heads downtown to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum for a multi-religious service.

The Pope will then travel uptown to Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem to meet with immigrants and poor children.

Following that, Francis will be feted by 80,000 New Yorkers in a procession down West Drive from 72nd St. to 60th St.

Francis will finish off the day by celebrating Mass at Madison Square Garden.

On Saturday morning, Francis heads back to JFK and flies off to Philadelphia.

Even before Francis arrived, the NYPD assigned 7,000 officers to guard His Holiness around the clock — and turned Central Park into an impregnable fortress.

There have been no credible threats against Francis, but just as in Washington neither the local cops nor the Secret Service were taking any chances.

With New York City facing Popelock, transit officials were urging travelers to use the subway and avoid driving in Manhattan.

ON A MOBILE DEVICE? WATCH THE VIDEO HERE .

With Kenneth Lovett, Dan Rivoli, Thomas Tracy, Joe Stepansky, Scott Widener, Raakhee Mirchandani

[email protected]

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50 Years Of Pope Visits To The United States

Reporter, HuffPost

Pope Francis waves to faithfuls gathered in St. Peter's Square following his Sunday Angelus prayer from the window of the pontiff studio on August 16, 2015 at the Vatican.

Pope Francis will make his first visit to the United States in September, with stops in Washington, New York and Philadelphia. His trip will add to the 50-year history of pope visits to the U.S.

Pope Paul VI made the first papal visit to the U.S. in October 1965. He addressed the United Nations General Assembly, attended the New York World's Fair and celebrated Mass at Yankee Stadium. He also met with President Lyndon Johnson.

In October 1979, Pope John Paul II made his first of seven trips to the U.S. He visited Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Des Moines, and met President Jimmy Carter in Washington.

In February 1981, John Paul II spent several hours on a stopover in Anchorage, Alaska, after canonizing the first Filipino saint, Lorenzo Ruiz , in Manila. Three years later, he met President Ronald Reagan during another stopover in Alaska, while en route to canonize 103 martyrs in Seoul, South Korea.

John Paul II's longest U.S. visit was in September 1987, when he made stops in Miami; New Orleans; San Antonio, Texas; Phoenix; Los Angeles; Salinas, California; and Pontiac, Michigan. In 1993, he celebrated Mass at World Youth Day and met with President Bill Clinton in Denver.

John Paul II visited New York City, New Jersey and Baltimore in 1995, and met again with Clinton. His final visit was in January 1999, when he celebrated Mass with more than 100,000 people at a football dome in St. Louis.

Pope Benedict XVI visited the U.S. once, in April 2008. He met with President George W. Bush at the White House and visited New York City, where he offered a blessing at the World Trade Center site.

Here's a look back at 50 years of pope visits to the U.S.:

Pope John Paul II gestures to the crowd during his trip to the United States, on Oct. 6, 1979.

Young girl receives communion from Pope John Paul II as they celebrate Mass at Aqeduct Race Track in Jamaica, Queens, on Oct. 6, 1995.

Pope John Paul II says evening prayers in the Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, during his 1995 visit to the U.S.

Pope John Paul II leaves St. Patrick's Cathedral on Oct. 7, 1995, in New York surrounded by security and police as he heads for an impromptu walk down Fifth Avenue.

Pope John Paul II prepares communion during an outdoor Mass in New York's Central Park, Oct., 7, 1995.

Pope John Paul II during Mass in Central Park on Oct. 8, 1995.

Pope John Paul II greets President Bill Clinton during his visit to St. Louis in 1999.

Pope Benedict XVI waves to supporters after exiting the popemobile at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York, U.S., on Sunday, April 20, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI gestures as he arrived for a mass at the Yankee Stadium in New York on April 20, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI waves after the conclusion of Mass at Yankee Stadium in New York on April 20, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI gives a blessing with holy water during ceremonies at Ground Zero on his last day in New York on April 20, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI visits Ground Zero on his final day in New York City, April 20, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI speaks at JFK International Airport, joined by Vice President Richard and Mrs. Lynne Cheney during his farewell ceremony on April 21, 2008.

Also on HuffPost:

Popes Who Shook The World

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A Unique Chalice for Pope Francis' Visit to New York

In a highly original initiative ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to New York in September, Catholics from across the United States are being given an opportunity to donate small, personal, silver coins or objects that can be used in the making of the chalice that he will use when he celebrates mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral and, maybe at another venue too, during his stay in the city. In this way they can participate in a truly personal way in that event.  

The silver that remains from the donations will be sold and the proceeds will be given to the Pope for his work with the poor.

The initiative which is rich in symbolism is the brainchild of Adrian Pallarols, the Argentine gold and silversmith who will actually make the chalice in the basement of St Patrick’s Cathedral in the weeks immediately preceding Francis’ visit. He revealed the project to America’s Vatican correspondent during a recent visit to Rome, and explained how he secured the pope’s blessing for it.

“The idea is to get the greatest number of people to participate in the project by donating small silver objects (metal Ag) that can be melted down into the lingot of silver from which will come the panels that I will use to make the chalice”, he told me. Objects that could be used in the making of the chalice range from coins, rings, earrings, to bracelets, necklaces and the like so long as each one is of this silver standard.

The design for this unique chalice is also the work of Pallarols. He explained that “the design – see photo -recreates the Gothic front of St Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, and also includes a map of the United States that is meant to symbolize the embrace of the Holy Father for all the inhabitants of the United States when he raises the chalice at the consecration during the Eucharistic celebration.” While the exterior of the chalice will be made of the silver that is donated, the inside will be lined with gold out of reverence for the sacred species in which the Lord is present. 

This original project integrates well with the history of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, that is the largest Catholic church in the United States. The cathedral was built thanks to the faith, sacrifice and immense generosity of many thousands of poor Irish immigrants who gave their nickels and dimes for its construction in response to the pressing appeal of the then Archbishop of New York, John Hughes. They were joined by 103 prominent citizens of the city who pledged $1000 each to the building.

Adrian Pallarols came to know the future pope when he was archbishop of Buenos Aires. He recalled that in those early days whenever Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio received gifts made of silver or gold he would phone and ask him to come and take the gifts and sell them, and he would then use the money raised from the sale to help poor people in the Argentine capital. Over the years the silversmith became close to the cardinal, and their relationship continued even after he became Pope.  

With this past experience in mind, Pallarols conceived the idea of designing and making a unique and original chalice that Francis would use when he celebrates mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral and possibly also at another venue when he comes to New York. But he immediately linked the making of the chalice to the concomitant project of raising funds for the pope to use for the poor.

The Argentine craftsman hopes that many thousands of Americans will participate in this special venture. He guarantees that all, that is, each and every one of the silver objects donated by Americans will be melted down into the lingot of silver from which the chalice will be made. He expects that a very large quantity of silver will remain after the meltdown, and he plans to sell all that remains and then hand over the money raised to Pope Francis to use as he wishes to help the poor in the United States.  A foundation will be created for this purpose.

Once he had come up with the design and the accompanying project, Pallarols took his initiative to Cardinal Timothy Dolan in New York, last January and gained his enthusiastic backing. Then he flew to Rome, presented the design and plan to Pope Francis, and obtained his endorsement too.   

The collection will begin next month Pallarols told me.  He will be in New York in the coming days to finalize plans for the project which has to be completed in less than six months.  

Mike Evans 9 years ago How about just a simple pottery cup made from Argentine soil and thrown by a local craftsman? Leave the gold, silver and precious jewels to assist the poor. Didn't anybody see the Raider's of the Lost Ark final episode? Let's not perpetuate a completely mistaken depiction of Christ's Body and Blood which is the communion species. It's the contents, not the container!

Martin Eble 9 years ago http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20040423_redemptionis-sacramentum_en.html [117.] Sacred vessels for containing the Body and Blood of the Lord must be made in strict conformity with the norms of tradition and of the liturgical books. The Bishops’ Conferences have the faculty to decide whether it is appropriate, once their decisions have been given the recognitio by the Apostolic See, for sacred vessels to be made of other solid materials as well. It is strictly required, however, that such materials be truly noble in the common estimation within a given region, so that honour will be given to the Lord by their use, and all risk of diminishing the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic species in the eyes of the faithful will be avoided. Reprobated, therefore, is any practice of using for the celebration of Mass common vessels, or others lacking in quality, or devoid of all artistic merit or which are mere containers, as also other vessels made from glass, earthenware, clay, or other materials that break easily. This norm is to be applied even as regards metals and other materials that easily rust or deteriorate.

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PHOTOS: Past papal visits to New York City

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The arrival of Pope Francis marks the fifth time a pope has paid a visit to New York City.

POPE BENEDICT XVI: APRIL 2008 Pope Benedict XVI arrived in 2008 and addressed the United Nations. He later visited St. Joseph's Parish on the Upper East Side in Yorkville, and then became the first pope to visit ground zero.

Pope Benedict XVI meets with a New York City firefighter after praying and lighting a candle at ground zero. The pope met with survivors and relatives of victims of the World Trade Center attacks as well as first responders at the site of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, Pool)

Pope Benedict XVI visits the site of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. The pope offered blessings to survivors and family members of those killed in the attack. (AP Photo/Todd Heisler, Pool)

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, left, greets Pope Benedict XVI as he visits the site of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. At center is Cardinal Edward Egan, Archbishop of New York. (AP Photo/Todd Heisler, Pool)

Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, left, poses with Pope Benedict XVI, center, and Rabbi Arthur Schneier at the Park East Synagogue in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

New York City Fire Department Chief Salvatore Cassano kisses the hand of Pope Benedict XVI as he visits the site of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The Pope offered blessings to survivors and family members of those killed in the attack. (AP Photo/Todd Heisler, Pool)

POPE JOHN PAUL II: OCTOBER 1995 In 1995, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at Giants Stadium and the Aqueduct Race Track, addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations, and visited St. Joseph's Seminary in Dunwoodie. There was also a Mass before 125,000 people in Central Park, in which he spoke English and Spanish.

John Cardinal O'Connor speaks to Pope John Paul II inside St. Patrick's Cathedral. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Pope John Paul II waves to the crowd from the Popemobile as he arrives at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

President Bill Clinton greets Pope John Paul II during ceremonies on their arrival at Newark International Airport in Newark. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Pope John Paul II addresses the 50th session of the United Nations Thursday Oct. 5, 1995. Appealing to the conscience of humanity,'' the pope urged rich nations to offer more help to the world's poor but told developing countries they won't deserve it unless they respect democracy. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, pool)

Pope John Paul II waves at the end of Mass at Central Park in New York.

Pope John Paul II waves from the steps of St. Patrick's Cathderal as he arrives to recite the Rosary and deliver a brief address in New York. (AP Photo/POOL, Tim Clary)

Pope John Paul II, blesses wheel-chair bound Steven Norton, 9, who suffers from AIDS, as he walks down the aisle of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Norton is accompanied by his adoptive mother Patricia Norton, left, and family friend Jeff Conway, who also suffers from AIDS.

POPE JOHN PAUL II: OCTOBER 1979 In his first New York visit in 1979, Pope John Paul II visited St. Charles Borromeo Church of Harlem, held a prayer service at St. Patrick's Cathedral, and attended a youth rally at Madison Square Garden. He also held a Mass for 80,000 people at Yankee Stadium.

Pope John Paul II gestures to the crowd at New York's Shea Stadium after his arrival. Thousands waited under a heavy rain for the Pontiff, whose arrival brought with it, the sun. (AP Photo)

Pope John Paul II makes farewell address at Shea Stadium. (AP Photo/Cameron Bloch)

Pope John Paul II, center, receives gifts from youngsters as student Monica Johnson, 17, holds a t-shirt, presented to him at presentation of symbolic gifts to Pope at New York's Madison Square Garden. The supreme Pontiff received gifts including the t-shirt, a pair of jeans, and a guitar. (AP Photo)

Pope John Paul II faces the crowd in front of, and surrounding, St. Patrick's Cathedral after his arrival from the United Nations. (AP Photo)

Pope John Paul II is shown on arrival at the United Nations, being greeted by Kurt Waldheim, Secretary General of U.N.. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)

POPE PAUL VI: OCTOBER 1965 In 1965, Pope Paul VI became the first pope to visit the United States. He prayed at St. Patrick's Cathedral, visited the United Nations General Assembly and the Vatican exhibit at the New York World's Fair before celebrating Mass at Yankee Stadium.

Pope Paul VI raises his hands to give his final blessing to more than 90,000 persons who jammed New York's Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. (AP Photo)

Pope Paul VI, left, sits in front of the rostrum before addressing the United Nations General Assembly. (AP Photo)

Pope Paul VI delivers an address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Pope made a plea for peace. (AP Photo)

Pope Paul VI and President Lyndon B. Johnson are seen during the Pontiff's visit to New York. (AP Photo/File)

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• RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
• NEW YORK CITY
• POPE US VISIT
• WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES 2015
• POPE FRANCIS

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Pope francis to visit asia and oceania in september.

Pope Francis greets the journalists onboard the papal plane during the flight back to Rome at the end of his two-day apostolic visit to Malta, Sunday, April 3, 2022. (Credit: Ciro Fusco /Pool photo via AP.)

MUMBAI, India – Pope Francis will visit three countries in Asia and one in Oceania, according to a Vatican statement released on Friday.

Francis is scheduled to leave Rome on September 2 and return to the Vatican on September 13.

He travels first to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, where he will land on September 3 and leave September 6. He will then travel to Papua New Guinea, visiting on September 6-9.

From September 9-11 he will be in Timor-Leste, before ending his Asia trip in Singapore.

There is a large variety of Catholic populations in these countries. Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, and Catholics number over 8 million, or 3.1 percent of the population.

Papua New Guinea has a population of around 2 million, or 32 percent, while Timor-Este is 96 percent Catholic, over 1 million people. Singapore has 395,000 Catholics, around 3 percent of the population.

Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo of Jakarta said the news that Francis will be visiting Indonesia “was received very enthusiastically, not only by Catholics.”

“The first announcement was given by the Minister of Religious Affairs. And during an interreligious meeting during the month of Ramadhan, the Great Imam of the State Mosque Istiqlal also announced the coming visit for the second time,” the cardinal told Crux .

“For several reasons the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia formally announced the coming visit only on the Feast of Annunciation, April 8, 2024,” he said.

“Actually, Pope Francis had decided to visit Indonesia in 2020, but then arrived the unexpected COVID-19,” Suharyo said.

“We ask our people to pray much for this visit planned in the first week of September, especially for the health of Pope Francis,” the cardinal continued.

“We also urge our faithful to prepare well the visit by deepening the messages of Pope Francis given in different encyclical letters and Apostolic Exhortation such as, Laudato Si’ , Fratelli Tutti , Evangelii Gaudium , and Gaudete et Exultate – on the call to holiness in today’s world,” he said.

Suharyo said the motto of the visit to Indonesia will be: Faith, Brother-Sisterhood, Compassion.

Archbishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin of Merauke, the President of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), said the visit of Francis “will give us, the Church and the nation the positive impact because the Holy Father is not only the Shepherd of the Catholic Church but also the Father of humanity bringing peace and offering mercy.”

“Of course, the visit of the Holy Father is a blessing for the Church and the country,” he said.

“May this visit be a moral and spiritual encouragement for us all to live out the values of Pancasila that are in line with Christian value. May this visit strengthen our sense of ‘fratelli tutti’,” the archbishop said.

the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh, also welcomed the pope’s upcoming visit.

“It has been 38 years since we had a visit from the Vicar of Christ to Singapore, when Pope St. John Paul II honored us with a visit on 20 November 1986,” the cardinal said in a statement.

“It is my hope that this visit of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, will bring renewed fervor to all Catholics in Singapore, uniting them in faith and mission, especially in these most challenging of times,” he said.

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Historic New York church with link to John Paul II struggles to stay open

By Daniel Payne

CNA Staff, Apr 21, 2024 / 06:00 am

A historic Polish Catholic church in Buffalo, New York — one with a unique connection to St. John Paul II — is facing tens of thousands of dollars in bills that threaten to close the nearly-century-old structure.

Father Czeslaw Krysa, SLD, the parochial vicar of St. Casimir, said the Buffalo Diocese has given the church a deadline of August to pay its outstanding accounts. Among those is $55,000 in annual insurance costs, up recently from $32,000.

Joe Martone, a spokesman for the Buffalo Diocese, said that the diocesan vicar for renewal and development, Father Bryan Zielenieski, “communicated in February to the pastor of the family of parishes [of which] St. Casimir is a member that the church had entered a one-year evaluation period to determine its financial viability.”

“Our diocese is in a family of parishes model, and the families are currently evaluating all aspects of parish life including financial sustainability,” Martone said.

The Buffalo Diocese in 2020 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as part of compensation for victims of clergy sex abuse. The diocese in March announced the sale of its headquarters in downtown Buffalo after nearly 40 years at that location. 

Supporters of St. Casimir recently launched a GoFundMe effort to preserve the historic church and its worship community. Krysa said the church itself has “been in the black for nine out of the last 12 years,” in part because it is entirely volunteer-run. The church is also in the process of selling its social center, formerly the parish school, located several blocks away.

Krysa, who was first introduced to the church as a seminarian years ago, said St. Casimir operates “more like a shrine” than a traditional parish. 

“We have a core group that runs the place and worships each Sunday,” he said. “And then we have what we call ‘event liturgies,’ which draw people like they were coming to a shrine.”

“These are liturgies that are not available at other parishes in the diocese,” he said.

‘An exquisite example of old Byzantine architecture’

The cornerstone of Buffalo’s St. Casimir Catholic Church was laid in 1927 and the structure was completed in 1929. It has stood for nearly 100 years, displaying what one local architecture critic calls “an exquisite example of old Byzantine architecture” reminiscent of the world-famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

The church’s richly adorned exterior includes multiple cupolas, a towering 65-foot dome, and a large rose window on a facade set off by eight stone millions. Visible on the facade is a terra cotta mural depicting Christ the King, St. Casimir, St. Stanislaus, and St. Hyacinth.

The interior of the church, meanwhile, includes murals by Marion Rzeznik, a Polish native born in 1899. Among its architectural features are a fully preserved ambo including the original abat-voix, a barrel-vaulted and coffered ceiling, statuary lining both sides of the pews, and the original ad orientem high altar over which is a rendering of the coronation of Mary, the Mother of God. 

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Krysa told CNA that the church offers Masses that employ the “five senses” — sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell.  

“During every single worship, liturgy, or devotion, all the five senses are engaged in praising and experiencing God,” the priest said.

“Our main mission is to continue our heritage, which is an ethnic Roman Catholic heritage,” the priest added. He explained that though the church started out as a Polish parish, “we’re diversifying.”

St. Casimir was first made an oratory in 2009 before receiving its present free-standing designation in 2011, Krysa said.The free-standing designation means that the church “is canonically aligned with the diocese,” Martone told CNA. “Other churches in New York are separately incorporated. So, St. Casimir is a free-standing church under the administrative jurisdiction of the diocese.”

Hosting the future Pope John Paul II

(Story continues below)

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The church’s Polish roots became known around the country in 1976 when St. Casimir was paid a visit by then-Cardinal Karol Józef Wojtyła. The prelate in two years’ time would go on to be elected Pope John Paul II.

Wojtyła was visiting the United States as part of that year’s International Eucharistic Congress; during his visit he traveled across the country, stopping in Buffalo to visit the city’s large population of Polish immigrants. 

“He was awestruck about this church. He loved it,” David Grzybek, a lifelong member of the parish, told the Buffalo News last month.

Wojtyła stayed two days at the parish. The bedroom in which he stayed has since been preserved as a memorial to the historic pope, its spartan interior remaining identical in appearance to when the cardinal slept there nearly 50 years ago. The room is used by the faithful for prayers, Krysa told CNA.

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Historic New York church with link to John Paul II struggles to stay open

April 21, 2024 Catholic News Agency The Dispatch 1 Print

CNA Staff, Apr 21, 2024 / 06:00 am (CNA).

A historic Polish Catholic church in Buffalo, New York — one with a unique connection to St. John Paul II — is facing tens of thousands of dollars in bills that threaten to close the nearly-century-old structure.

Father Czeslaw Krysa, SLD, the parochial vicar of St. Casimir, said the Buffalo Diocese has given the church a deadline of August to pay its outstanding accounts. Among those is $55,000 in annual insurance costs, up recently from $32,000.

Joe Martone, a spokesman for the Buffalo Diocese, said that the diocesan vicar for renewal and development, Father Bryan Zielenieski, “communicated in February to the pastor of the family of parishes [of which] St. Casimir is a member that the church had entered a one-year evaluation period to determine its financial viability.”

“Our diocese is in a family of parishes model, and the families are currently evaluating all aspects of parish life including financial sustainability,” Martone said.

The Buffalo Diocese in 2020 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as part of compensation for victims of clergy sex abuse. The diocese in March announced the sale of its headquarters in downtown Buffalo after nearly 40 years at that location.

Supporters of St. Casimir recently launched a GoFundMe effort to preserve the historic church and its worship community. Krysa said the church itself has “been in the black for nine out of the last 12 years,” in part because it is entirely volunteer-run. The church is also in the process of selling its social center, formerly the parish school, located several blocks away.

Krysa, who was first introduced to the church as a seminarian years ago, said St. Casimir operates “more like a shrine” than a traditional parish.

“We have a core group that runs the place and worships each Sunday,” he said. “And then we have what we call ‘event liturgies,’ which draw people like they were coming to a shrine.”

“These are liturgies that are not available at other parishes in the diocese,” he said.

‘An exquisite example of old Byzantine architecture’

The cornerstone of Buffalo’s St. Casimir Catholic Church was laid in 1927 and the structure was completed in 1929. It has stood for nearly 100 years, displaying what one local architecture critic calls “an exquisite example of old Byzantine architecture” reminiscent of the world-famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

The church’s richly adorned exterior includes multiple cupolas, a towering 65-foot dome, and a large rose window on a facade set off by eight stone millions. Visible on the facade is a terra cotta mural depicting Christ the King, St. Casimir, St. Stanislaus, and St. Hyacinth.

The interior of the church, meanwhile, includes murals by Marion Rzeznik, a Polish native born in 1899. Among its architectural features are a fully preserved ambo including the original abat-voix, a barrel-vaulted and coffered ceiling, statuary lining both sides of the pews, and the original ad orientem high altar over which is a rendering of the coronation of Mary, the Mother of God.

Krysa told CNA that the church offers Masses that employ the “five senses” — sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell.

“During every single worship, liturgy, or devotion, all the five senses are engaged in praising and experiencing God,” the priest said.

“Our main mission is to continue our heritage, which is an ethnic Roman Catholic heritage,” the priest added. He explained that though the church started out as a Polish parish, “we’re diversifying.”

St. Casimir was first made an oratory in 2009 before receiving its present free-standing designation in 2011, Krysa said.The free-standing designation means that the church “is canonically aligned with the diocese,” Martone told CNA. “Other churches in New York are separately incorporated. So, St. Casimir is a free-standing church under the administrative jurisdiction of the diocese.”

Hosting the future Pope John Paul II

The church’s Polish roots became known around the country in 1976 when St. Casimir was paid a visit by then-Cardinal Karol Józef Wojtyła. The prelate in two years’ time would go on to be elected Pope John Paul II.

Wojtyła was visiting the United States as part of that year’s International Eucharistic Congress; during his visit he traveled across the country, stopping in Buffalo to visit the city’s large population of Polish immigrants.

“He was awestruck about this church. He loved it,” David Grzybek, a lifelong member of the parish, told the Buffalo News last month.

Wojtyła stayed two days at the parish. The bedroom in which he stayed has since been preserved as a memorial to the historic pope, its spartan interior remaining identical in appearance to when the cardinal slept there nearly 50 years ago. The room is used by the faithful for prayers, Krysa told CNA.

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• Catholic News
• Church architecture
• Church closings
• Diocese of Buffalo
• St. Casimir

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Syracuse bishop revives Ember Days, calls for prayer and fasting for vocations

Denver Newsroom, Dec 18, 2020 / 12:01 pm ( CNA ).- In a revival of an historic custom of the Church, Bishop Douglas Lucia of Syracuse has invited Catholics of his diocese to participate in the Ember Days, traditional days of fasting and prayer, for the intention of an increase in vocations.

The bishop established the Ember Days for a diocesan year of vocations, and granted a partial indulgence to their observance, in a Nov. 19 decree .

Fr. Christopher Seibt, the Diocese of Syracuse’s liturgy director, told CNA that the idea came about because the diocese is also observing a year of prayer for vocations, and Ember Days have traditionally been days of prayer for vocations.

“Ember Days are days of prayer and fasting that mark the changing of times and seasons in order to bring about deeper spiritual renewal,” Seibt told CNA.

“On these days, the Church ‘entreats the Lord for the various needs of humanity’ and gives thanks to God for various blessings received,’” he added, quoting the Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar.

Ember Days were traditionally days of fast and abstinence. They are tied to the seasons of the year, and are held on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of four weeks: the third week of September, the third week of Advent, the first week of Lent, and the octave of Pentecost.

The word “ember” is an English adaptation of the Latin name, “quattuor tempora” meaning four seasons.

The Ember Days were attested to as traditional by St. Leo I, and they were prescribed for the whole of the Latin rite by the time of St. Gregory VII.

The observance of the Ember Days stood in contrast to the pagan celebrations of Rome, which honored gods of nature at the change of the seasons. Catholics instead were encouraged to thank God for the gifts of creation, and to use those gifts according to his will.

Ordinations have traditionally been held on Ember Saturdays.

The Ember Days of this liturgical year fall Dec. 16, 18, and 19; Feb. 24, 26, 27, 2021; May 26, 28, 29, 2021; and Sept. 22, 24, 25, 2021.

On the Ember Days of Advent, Bishop Lucia has asked Catholics in Syracuse to pray for married couples and families. Each day Lucia has recommended a specific prayer, such as attending Mass or praying the Rosary, and a specific form of fasting, such as giving up social media for the day or eating one large meal and two small meals.

Lucia has dedicated the Lenten Ember Days to prayer and fasting for priests and deacons. For the Ember Days  of Pentecost, Lucia has asked Catholics to pray and fast for men and women in consecrated life, and the September Ember Days will be dedicated to prayer and fasting for single people.

Catholics in the Diocese of Syracuse who participate in the Ember Days and who have a detachment from sin can gain a partial indulgence, “that is, a partial remission before God of the temporal punishment for sin, whose guilt is forgiven in the Sacrament of Penance, provided they are in a state of grace at least at the time the indulgenced work is completed,” the diocese noted in its announcement.

A prayer to St. Joseph, who is the patron of Syracuse’s Year for Vocations, is also included in the indulged acts in the diocesan announcement. The diocese recommended the “Ad te, beate Joseph” or any other “duly approved prayer” to St. Joseph.

The observance of Ember Days has seen a resurgence in the Church in recent years.

In 2018, Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh announced a Year of Repentance for his diocese in the wake of clergy sex abuse scandals, and included the observance of Ember Days as part of that year.

Last December, Father Matthew Barzare of the Diocese of Lafayette blessed 100 gallons of water on the Ember Saturday of Advent, which was then loaded into a crop-duster and sprayed over fields and the town of Cow Island.

Here is reputable liturgical art. But this will be eradicated. Compare this to Rupnik? Case closed.

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Pope will travel to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore in longest trip of papacy

FILE -Pope Francis waves as he leaves after his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Pope Francis will visit Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Singapore in September, the Vatican announced Friday, April 12 ,2024, confirming the longest trip of Francis’ papacy that is sure to test his health, stamina and mobility. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)

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VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis will visit Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Singapore in September, the Vatican announced Friday, confirming the longest trip of Francis’ papacy that is sure to test his health, stamina and mobility.

The Vatican confirmed the Sept. 2-13 visit, saying the 87-year-old pope would visit Jakarta, Indonesia; Port Moresby and Vanimo, Papua New Guinea; Dili, East Timor; and Singapore. Further details will be announced later.

Francis’ health has become a source of increasing concern and speculation, even though the pontiff is able to carry on with a rigorous schedule of meetings at the Vatican and even excursions to local parishes.

Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, had to cancel a planned visit to Dubai late last year after he came down with a bad case of bronchitis. He suffered from respiratory problems all winter and had to curtail his participation in Holy Week events to save his energy for Easter.

Francis has also been using a wheelchair for nearly two years because of bad knee ligaments, and has said that traveling has become increasingly more difficult.

And yet at 11 days, the trip would be the longest of Francis’ papacy, outpacing by a few days some of his long trips to the Americas early on in his 11-year papacy. It will bring the Argentine Jesuit to the world’s most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia, as well as the former Portuguese colony of East Timor, where the Catholic Church wields enormous influence.

There is also a chance of another leg to the trip being added later: This week, the Vatican foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, was in Vietnam and discussed a papal visit, Vatican News reported, without providing details.

In a statement announcing the visit, the Indonesian foreign ministry welcomed the visit and recalled that it had originally been scheduled for 2020 but was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia holds significant importance to the Indonesian people, not only for Catholics but also for all religious communities. The visit is also expected to strengthen the message of tolerance, unity and world peace,” the statement said.

Indonesia is home to roughly 242 million Muslims and 29 million Christians — 8.5 million of whom are Catholics — according to a 2022 report by the Religious Affairs Ministry.

East Timor, which today has a population of about 1.2 million people, is Southeast Asia’s only predominantly Christian nation with the exception of the Philippines. According to the 2015 census, 97.6% of East Timor’s population is Catholic.

The visit to East Timor will likely reignite attention over a clergy sex abuse scandal involving its revered independence hero and Nobel Peace Prize winner. The Vatican confirmed in 2022 that it had sanctioned Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo following allegations that he sexually abused boys there during the 1990s. Belo is believed to now be living in Portugal.

Francis will be the first pope to visit Papua New Guinea since St. John Paul II went there in 1984. The country, in a strategically important part of the South Pacific, has struggled with tribal violence and civil unrest.

John Paul also visited Singapore, in 1986. The country today is home to 395,000 Catholics and Francis in 2022 made its archbishop Singapore’s first cardinal.

In a statement welcoming the visit, Cardinal William Goh, said it “will bring renewed fervor to all Catholics in Singapore, uniting them in faith and mission, especially in these most challenging of times.”

The Vatican has planned only one other papal trip this year — to Belgium to celebrate the anniversary of the country’s Catholic university. Francis has also said he wants to return to his native Argentina , but no plans or dates have been announced.

Karmini contributed from Jakarta, Indonesia.

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