Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options

Pope Francis will get a glimpse of leafy Central Park and thousands of waving New Yorkers on Sept. 25 when he makes "a historic procession" through the urban landmark, according to the city's mayor.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Sept 1 the pope will ride along the West Drive of the park on his way to celebrate Mass at Madison Square Garden, which is set for 6 p.m.

"We are grateful to the archdiocese for their cooperation in giving even more New Yorkers a chance to join in this historic visit," de Blasio said in a statement. "The procession through Central Park will give thousands of New Yorkers an opportunity to come face to face with Pope Francis."

Admission to the route will be limited to New York state residents and tickets will be distributed through an online giveaway contest. The mayor's office said people interested in applying for a pair of tickets can visit the city's website at nyc.gov/papalvisit or call 311 in New York from Sept. 3 to Sept. 7 to enter the contest. Winners will be notified Sept. 10.

The 843-acre park north of midtown Manhattan was designed by architects Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. It was completed in 1873 after 15 years of construction. Central Park was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962.

 
Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.

The latest from america

Pope Leo XIV greets religious sisters during a meeting with officials and employees of the Roman Curia, Vatican City State and the Diocese of Rome in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican May 24, 2025. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Describing the Curia as the institution that preserves “the historical memory of the church,” Pope Leo called on these Vatican employees to “work together” with him “in the great cause of unity and love.”
Gerard O’ConnellMay 24, 2025
Paola Ugaz, a Peruvian journalist who helped expose the abuse committed by leaders of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, gives Pope Leo XIV a stole made of alpaca wool, during the pope's meeting with members of the media May 12, 2025, in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Pope Leo offered a heartening message for a global media that has endured a pretty awful year.
Kevin ClarkeMay 23, 2025
If you think our enthusiasm for our basketball team was intense, just wait until you see our support for Pope Leo XIV.
Jack DoolinMay 23, 2025
“I don’t think he’s the kind of man who sends coded messages,” Cardinal Michael Czerny says in this exclusive interview with Gerard O’Connell.
Gerard O’ConnellMay 23, 2025