Pope brings message to U.N.
NEW YORK — In a day packed with encounters with both the powerful and the poor, Pope Francis arrived at the United Nations today for an address expected to emphasize themes that have shaped his popular papacy: the environment and the poor.
Francis’ agenda reflected both his global stature and his of-the-people approach, taking him from the solemnity of ground zero to the struggles of East Harlem.
His visit was scheduled to include events as large as a processional drive through Central Park, as personal as meetings with schoolchildren and immigrants and as inspiring for the faithful as Mass for thousands at Madison Square Garden.
Francis, who Thursday became the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress, was set to speak to world leaders gathered for a U.N. General Assembly summit to adopt new global goals for fighting poverty and protecting the environment.
Religious persecution was also expected to be on the agenda for his international audience.
Francis was greeted on his arrival at the U.N. by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, a key supporter of Francis’ agenda. Francis thanked Ban and the U.N. staff for their service.
While his visit marks the fifth time a pope has been to the United Nations, the Vatican flag was raised for the first time just before his arrival. The General Assembly recently agreed to allow the U.N.’s two observer states, the Holy See and Palestine, to fly their flags alongside those of the 193 member states.
After the U.N., the pope was scheduled to visit the 9/11 memorial, where two waterfall pools mark the outlines of the World Trade Center’s twin towers before they were toppled by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
He was expected to meet relatives of some of the nearly 3,000 victims before heading to the Sept. 11 museum for an interfaith service.
Francis’ plans for this afternoon reflected the penchant of the “people’s pope” for engaging with the public.
