Pope Francis Visits Ground Zero And Local School, Celebrates Mass With 20,000 In New York
By David Spunt
NEW YORK (CBS) -- Pope Francis celebrated mass Friday night with 20,000 people, his second day in New York.
Pope Francis asked thousands of worshippers at Madison Square Garden to remember immigrants, the poor, and homeless in New York City.
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The Pope's theme -- living in a big city is not always easy.
"Big cities are a reminder of the hidden richness hidden in our world, with the diversity of cultures, traditions, and historical experiences," said Pope Francis.
On his way to Mass, he paraded through Central Park in the popemobile in front of about 80,000 people.
The pope also addressed the general assembly at the United Nations, and met with 9/11 victims' family members. But perhaps the moment that made him light up the most, was meeting students at Our Lady Queen of Angels School in Harlem. He posed for pictures before walking inside.
"Don't forget the homework," said the Pope.
PHOTOS: Quiet Philly Streets Day Before Pope Arrives
As the Pope wrapped up the trip, the focus started to shift toward Philadelphia. CBS 3 Eyewitness News found one woman is considering making the trip after seeing the pope in New York.
"I have a friend who lives there and he's been telling me that they've been preparing for this for months and months and months and everybody's really excited," said Barbara Russo.
READ: Complete Papal Visit 2015 Coverage
An interesting note, if you've noticed the Pope receiving a lot of white roses. He even placed on the 9/11 Memorial. It's in honor of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower. The Pope has a photo of her on his desk.
Pope Francis will travel to Philadelphia Saturday.