Archdiocese In Talks To Bring Pope's Motorcade Through Central Park
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There's little doubt Pope Francis will attract massive crowds when he visits New York City next month. So what's better, having them squeeze onto city sidewalks or giving the faithful a little space to spread their wings?
The Archdiocese of New York is in serious discussions to have the pope's motorcade pass through part of Central Park, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported. The goal is to give more people the opportunity to see Francis up close, as tickets to his scheduled events are limited.
"This is another attempt to try and respect what the Holy Father wishes, what he has demonstrated throughout his 2 1/2 years as pope, and that is his desire to be as close to the people as possible," Archdiocese spokesman Joe Zwilling.
Archdiocese In Talks To Bring Pope's Motorcade Through Central Park
No firm plans are in place. The Archdiocese is trying to work out logistics with the city, including security and the route through Central Park.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the idea to have the pope see the public has merit.
"Obviously everything in terms of the pope's security comes first and that's being worked through by the Secret Service, the NYPD and obviously that's the paramount concern and the ultimate security professionals are dealing with it," de Blasio said. "The people of this city want to see the pope and this is a pope who wants to be close to the people, so I think the effort to go through Central Park is a smart way to achieve both goals."
A decision could be announced in the next couple of days.
Mayor Says Pope Central Park Visit Has Merit
The pope will arrive at JFK Airport on Sept. 24 and attend evening prayer at St. Patrick's Cathedral. The next day, he will address the 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.
Francis will also visit Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
