As New Yorkers and Catholics worldwide mourn the death of Pope Francis from earlier this week, we look back into the archives at his historic visit to NYC back in September 2015.
Pope Francis graced The Big Apple nearly a decade ago, marking his first and only trip to the United States as pontiff, and the first visit by any pope since Pope Benedict XVI visited 7 years before that in 2008.
We reflect in photos and memories of the pope’s time spent with New Yorkers.
Arrival and Evening Prayer at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Sept. 24, 2015)
Pope Francis arrived to New York City back on September 24, 2015 via JFK airport, where he was greeted by a high school band, leaders of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Archdiocese of New York, and cheering crowds waving flags.
From there, he traveled via popemobile to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown, where he was welcomed from prominent figures like Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio, and Senator Chuck Schumer.
That night, he proceed to lead an evening prayer (celebration of vespers) in the newly restored cathedral at the time. He was greeted by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York during the event.
Address to the United Nations General Assembly (Sept. 25, 2015)
The next day on September 25, 2015, Pope Francis headed to the United Nations to address the world leaders about important issues.
His speech put emphasis on pressing global issues immediately like climate change, poverty, and the refugee crisis.
Interfaith Prayer at the 9/11 Memorial
After that, Pope Francis traveled to downtown Manhattan to stop by the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and participate in a prayer service.
He prayed for the victims of the 9/11 attacks, laid a white rose on the memorial, and met with relatives of first responders who died in the attacks.
Visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem
The second half of his day saw him head uptown, first stopping at Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem.
Pope Francis met with elementary and high school students at the Catholic school, asking them to pray for him. He also met with immigrant workers and acknowledges their contributions to NYC.
Central Park Papal Procession
Next, the pope did a massive papal procession throughout Central Park that saw tens of thousands New Yorkers gather in the park and Midtown to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis.
He rode through the park in his popemobile waving, blessing the crowds, and offering a rare and intimate encounter with the pontiff.
Mass at Madison Square Garden
The last stop on the pope’s tour was a mass at Madison Square Garden which garnered about 20,000 New Yorkers.
During his homily, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of big cities embracing foreigners and those on the margins of society.
He shed light on pressing issues like homelessness, limited access to education, and the daily hardships faced by the poor. Reminding the congregation that “God is living in our cities,” he called for greater compassion, empathy, and inclusion.