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It began with a very solemn ceremony at New York City's Ground Zero, site of the 2001 terror attacks which brought the World Trade Center towers down.
The pope offered prayers, lit a candle, and sprinkled holy water on the hallowed ground that is the final resting place for so many victims. He was also meeting with some survivors and family members of those who died.
The Vatican says the pope has been looking forward to this part of his visit and wanted to offer comfort and consolation to the people of America and pray for peace.
Later in the day, the pope was heading to Yankee Stadium for a huge open-air Mass to be attended by more than 60,000 people. More than 3,000 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia were making their way to New York.
Among them is Sister Mary Joseph of Hallahan High School in Center City. Sister was awarded the coveted ticket to the Mass by the school’s principal, who found a few extra tickets at another school.
Sister says she’s looking forward getting into the stadium and seeing the man of the hour:
“I know when that popemobile passes me, my heart will just throb. He’s the vicar of Christ on this earth. And just to be in the same stadium with him will be wonderful.”
Sister says she intends to take a few religious objects for the pope to bless, including a rosary or two.
After the Mass, the pope was to get a brief break but then head out to JFK Airport for a departure ceremony at 8pm that was expected to be attended by some 3,000 people.
Some departure remarks and prayers were scheduled before the pope was to board his Al Italia 777 plane called “Shepherd One” for the return flight to Rome. It was set to take off at 8:30pm.
