Pope Francis rides popemobile to St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC
NEW YORK (WLS) -- After Pope Francis's historic address to a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday morning, he arrived to a warm welcome in New York.
PHOTOS: Pope Francis in the United States
The pope landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport Thursday afternoon, where he was greeted by a high school band playing "New York, New York". A group of about 200 students and parishioners gathered on the tarmac to welcome the pontiff.
VIDEO: Pope arrives in New York
He was generous with his time, greeting those who had waited patiently for them, then was whisked away in a helicopter to Wall Street. There, he transitioned to his popemobile and proceeded down a heavily-guarded path through the city to a rock star's welcome.
Thousands lined the route along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan hoping to catch a glimpse of the pope as he rode by.
VIDEO: Pope rides through Manhattan in popemobile
When the pope arrived at St. Patrick's Cathedral to lead evening prayers, a small cheer erupted as he approached the doors. The vespers were attended by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Cardinal Timothy Dolan - who is archbishop of New York - among many others.
The crowd dispersed quickly once the evening prayer let out. Pope Francis will spend the night at a townhouse on the Upper East Side.
On Friday, Francis' schedule includes addressing world leaders at the United Nations, participating in an interfaith service at the Sept. 11 memorial museum at ground zero, visiting a school and taking a processional drive through Central Park. He also will celebrate Mass at the Madison Square Garden arena.
City officials said NYPD will use nearly 25,000 barriers, 1,200 traffic cones and more than 400 pieces of concrete block to secure several areas where the pope is scheduled to appear through Friday evening.
