New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke to reporters about Pope Francis' upcoming trip to his city, and he had nothing but praise for the Holy Father.
BILL DE BLASIO
Mayor of New York City
'I think the emotion that the people of New York City feel for this Pope is going to manifest itself in the streets of the city. Anywhere he goes, I think you're going to see a great outpouring of support for him.â?
While he does not practice any religion, the mayor has formed strong bonds with many religious communities in New York. He has become good friends with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and they've worked together to prepare for the upcoming trip.
BILL DE BLASIO
Mayor of New York City
'I think it's going to be extraordinary. There's tremendous energy in New York City in anticipation of the Pope's visit. Now it will happen during our annual U.N. week, so certainly logistically there will be a lot going on, and it's going to take a huge effort by the city to accommodate both the papal visit and the U.N. week, but we're ready. We've been in preparation now for months.â?
The Vatican recently hosted a conference for mayors and local officials to discuss climate change and human trafficking. Mayors from Paris, New York, San Francisco, and other world-class cities were in attendance. de Blasio said having the Pope's moral authority strengthened their work.
BILL DE BLASIO
Mayor of New York City
'Let's face it, having the support of His Holiness is the most encouraging thing I can think of. It's the most empowering possibility to have the strongest moral voice in the global today calling us to action.â?
The mayors signed a declaration with Pope Francis calling for national leaders to come up with a 'bold climate agreement.â? For his part, de Blasio also announced that his city intends to cut carbon emissions 40 percent by 2030.
ATO
AA
-JM
-PR
Up: JPB
