Pope Francis in NYC
-
In September 2015, Pope Francis made an unforgettable visit to the Archdiocese of New York.
"My biggest word of thanks, though, must go to all the people of New York. You endured street closures and traffic jams, long lines for Central Park and Madison Square Garden and other disruptions to your daily routines. And, rather than complain, you responded to Pope Francis with an outpouring of exuberant warmth and welcome."
-
Thursday, September 24
6:30 pm Evening Prayer (Vespers) at St. Patrick's Cathedral
On Thursday evening, Pope Francis prayed Vespers at the newly restored and repaired St. Patrick's Cathedral. Special highlights included:
- Cardinal Dolan said to Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral, "Once you entered those famous doors on 5th Ave, you became an official New Yorker."
- Pope Francis encouraged us to find a vocation with meaning that leads us down a path of service, "A grateful heart is spontaneously impelled to serve the Lord and to find expression in a life of commitment to our work."
-
Friday, September 25
8:30 am Visit to the United Nations and Address to the United Nations General Assembly
Pope Francis addressed the United Nations General Assembly. UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, accompanied His Holiness. Special highlights included:- The Pope stressed that wise action is needed now to protect God's creating and address climate change, "Among other things, human genius, well applied, will surely help to meet the grave challenges of ecological deterioration and of exclusion."
- "People come first, human life is sacred," Pope Francis insisted.
11:30 am Multi-religious service at 9/11 Memorial and Museum, World Trade Center
Pope Francis attended a multi-religious service at the September 11th Memorial & Museum. Special highlights included:- Pope Francis greeted families of victims and prayed with them just after he rested a white rose on the bronze panel inscribed with the names of those victims.
- Pope Francis prayed with many religious leaders for peace: "To God, all life is sacred. We stand as brothers and sisters loving peace and pursuing peace."
Read more highlights from the multi-religious service
4:00 pm Visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School, East Harlem
On Friday Afternoon, Pope Francis visited Our Lady Queen of Angels School (OLQA) in East Harlem. He met with principals and students from OLQA, St. Paul, St. Charles Borromeo, and St. Ann as well as 150 immigrants and refugees assisted by Catholic Charities. Special highlights included:- When he visited the classrooms at OLQA, he learned how to use a smartboard and what their daily activities and lessons are in school. He requested and encouraged them to do a few things as "homework":
- To keep smiling & spreading joy
- To never give up on their dreams
- To pray for him
Read more highlights from OLQA
5:00 pm Central Park Procession + Pre-Mass Event
Pope Francis processed through Central Park from 72nd street fown to 60th street in his pope-mobile and motorcade. As he made his way downtown blessing the crowds, A Journey in Faith, a very special afternoon program of prayer, reflections, and devotional music was also happening before the Mass at Madison Square Garden.
Read more highlights from the Central Park procession
and pre-Mass program
6:00 pm Mass at Madison Square Garden
On Friday evening, Pope Francis offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at Madison Square Garden. Special highlights included:- A notable quote from Pope Francis' homily: "God's faithful people can see, discern and contemplate his living presence in the midst of the city."
- Before Mass ended, Cardinal Dolan gave thanks to Pope Francis for his visit to the Archdiocese of New York: "You, our Holy Father...thanks for visiting us, your family!...And now, here you are! We welcome you! We love you! We need you! We thank you!"
