Pope Francis To Visit St. Pat's Cathedral, UN, 9/11 Memorial And Host Mass At MSG
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The Vatican has released Pope Francis' itinerary for his upcoming trip to the U.S.
The pope will make stops in Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia during the eagerly awaited September visit.
He will arrive in Washington on Sept. 22 from Cuba.
LINK: Full Itinerary
Francis will meet with President Barack Obama at the White House and become the first pope to address Congress before he heads over to New York City.
The pope will arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport 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 and celebrate Mass at Madison Square Garden before traveling to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families conference.
"While the visit of Pope Francis to New York will be relatively brief – only about 36 hours or so – I am confident that his presence here among us will have a profound and lasting impact on all New Yorkers," Cardinal Timothy Dolan said in a statement. "As Catholics, we rejoice in knowing that our Holy Father is coming to visit us, and we eagerly look forward to showing him how our faith is being put into action in this community."
As CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported, an ebullient Timothy Cardinal Dolan, was anxiously anticipating the historic visit of His Eminence Pope Francies, to the city. The Holy Father told him he's a little nervous about his ability to speak English, but very much looking forward to seeing the city, Dolan explained.
"What he wants to do is speak to us about God. He wants to remind us about the eternal," Dolan said.
"For people to be able to to be with Pope Francis, to pray with him, to experience his message of love and mercy in person, I think that's just going to be tremendous," said Joseph Zwilling, director of communications for the Archdiocese of New York.
Parishioners outside St. Patrick's Cathedral on Tuesday were excited to welcome his eminence.
"I think it's fantastic, it's really exciting," one woman said.
"I think it's going to be great. Unbelievable. Super." one man said.
While most stops on the pope's itinerary were expected, East Harlem residents are most excited about his afternoon visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School on East 112th Street, 1010 WINS' Al Jones reported.
"I'm in shock, but I'm very happy. It's close to where I live and it's a blessing," said Ava Marcia.
Gloria Morales, who works in the office of the kindergarten through eighth grade school, said "I can't even express that I'm just so excited about it. I really am."
A lottery will be held for first responders and 9/11 families to join Pope Francis during his time at the World Trade Center site.
"This visit is another powerful example of the significance global leaders are placing on coming to this sacred ground," 9/11 Memorial President Joe Daniels said in a statement. "Pope Francis has expressed the importance of preserving the living memory of others. For many around the world, including those who experienced 9/11, there is no more important a place for that kind of reflection than the Memorial and Museum."
Tickets for the Madison Square Garden service will be distributed through parishes, CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported.
Pope Francis will become the fourth pope ever to visit the U.S.
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