Pope Francis to visit East Harlem school during September trip to United States

Francis, the first Latin American pope, will become the first pontiff to address a joint session of the US Congress during the much anticipated September 19-27 trip.

He’ll also preside over a vespers service at the newly spruced-up St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

On September 25, Francis will deliver a speech on sustainable development at the United Nations, where he’ll have another opportunity to voice his concerns about the environment ahead of make-or-break climate negotiations in Paris later this year.

The organizers may also have built in enough time after lunch most days, when the 78-year-old pope usually takes a brief rest, for the “pope of surprises” to do the sort of impromptu things he likes to do when traveling.

On the same day, Francis will address the United Nations General Assembly, visit an East Harlem Catholic school and say Mass at Madison Square Garden, officials announced Tuesday. Tickets will probably be distributed by way of parishes.

Large viewing screens are to be set up on the university’s campus, and the Mass will be in Spanish, Francis’ native language, Wuerl said. He was unavailable for comment today, but others say they look forward to the trip and the chance to be close to Pope Francis.

The conference itself, which focuses on faith and families, is expected to draw about 15,000 people from around the world. “The City of Philadelphia has a long history of hosting big events; we will be ready to welcome Pope Francis when he arrives”. This is the pope’s first visit to the US.

“He will speak to Congress as a shepherd, a pastor of souls who has no political agenda”, Cardinal Wuerl said.

It was Francis who effectively helped broker the historic breakthrough between Washington and Havana last December, and by retracing the journey of so many exiles he reinforces another key message: reconciliation among peoples, and within societies.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput greeted news of the papal schedule “with great joy and I’m certain that countless individuals in our city, our commonwealth, and our country share that emotion with me”.

At St. Patrick Church, the Holy Father will meet with clients of Catholic Charities, and then he will offer a blessing and remarks to those gathered for lunch at the St. Maria Meals Program outside the agency’s headquarters.

The pope will encourage the inmates to acknowledge their sins and ask Christ for mercy, McIntyre said. He will also “lead an ecumenical meeting for peace at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York”, according to CNN.