by Madeline Heinsen, staff reporter
Roman Catholics around the world look to one person, above all, for guidance and reassurance, their current Pope. Coming from the Vatican City in Rome, Italy, Pope Francis decided to visit New York City.
Thousands of people blocked the streets of New York City, to welcome Pope Francis. New York City has been the hotspot for Papal visits to the United States throughout decades, as former popes have previously visited.
“I tried to go to the city but there was so much traffic. I can’t believe how packed it was,” senior Laura Zabala said.
On Thursday, September 24th at 6:45 pm, Pope Francis led the Evening prayer, held at the renown St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. The event was private, as only the clergy of the cathedral were allowed to attend. Guests were suggested to arrive at 3 pm as security and vespers would last 3 hours or more.
Continuing his day, Pope Francis formally addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on its 70th anniversary. The assembly involved huge decisions for its members concerning sustainable development, climate change and much more. In addition, Pope Francis also had bilateral meetings with the secretary-general and the President of the General Assembly, and participated in a town hall gathering with the United Nations staff.
“I’m so glad the pope came to NYC. He’s such an important figure in the catholic religion and he truly seems like a beautiful person,” junior Kayla Morell said.
On the same day, Pope Francis visited the 9/11 memorial site. After praying at the site, he visited with the local representatives of the world religions inside Foundation Hall, at the 9/11 Memorial Museum for a multi-religious meeting for peace and paid a visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School.
“The pope is dope,” reality television star Kim Kardashian West said after he visited Our Lady Queen of Angels School.
Pope Francis greeted the people of New York City at Central Park on a motorcycle on Thursday, September 24th. This took place after his visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels school. After greeting the people, Pope Francis held a mass at Madison Square Garden at 6pm. The venue was a suitable location for a Papal mass, seating over 19,000 people.
