Pilgrimage in the Park as Thousands Flock to His Holiness

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Thousands of devout Catholics were in awe of Pope Francis—and many were brought to tears—as they got a chance to see the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church on a papal procession through New York’s Central Park.

The pontiff arrived in a papal motorcade and was greeted by thunderous cheers from a crowd of biblical proportions that waited hours for his Sept. 25 arrival.

As he waved from the popemobile, 80,000 ticket holders screamed and shouted, waved the Vatican flag and snapped photos on smartphones, tablets and cameras to document the momentous event.

Anticipation began well ahead of his 5:15 p.m. entrance into the park, as many lined Central Park West before the 11 a.m. admittance.

Some donned papal flags or T-shirts with the pope’s image, while others prayed using a Rosary app, sang religious songs and exchanged stories of previous pope sightings and posed for selfies with fellow Catholics on what turned out to be an unforgettable day.

Just before the pontiff’s arrival, a group of college students from as far as Texas chanted “Francis Pope, You Give Hope!”

Despite his brief appearance, the faithful who were lucky enough to catch a quick glimpse of the Holy Father said the image will last a lifetime.

Long Islander Millie Holahan broke down in tears as the pontiff rode past her and her daughter, Lisa.

“Just being here, being on the same spot that he passed, I feel like I inhaled his love and peace,” she said as she sobbed uncontrollably.

“I feel like the light of God touched me,” said the parishioner of Holy Spirit Church in New Hyde Park after seeing the pope’s face.

Gail Nicola was also emotional after driving seven hours from Ohio, taking a train, and walking three miles to see the pontiff. “I’m so excited I can’t even explain it…I almost might start crying,” said the parishioner of St. John’s in Belair, Ohio.

“It was really cool,” said Ava St. Laurent, a student at St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School on Staten Island. “You hear so much about him, it was unreal seeing him in person.”

Her brother, Russell, 13, and sister, Lila, 10, students at Our Lady Star of the Sea School, also on Staten Island, agreed it was definitely worth the wait.

Manhattan residents Juana Santos, a parishioner of St. Jude’s in Inwood, and her sister, Alejandrina Zapata, a parishioner of St. Elizabeth’s in Washington Heights, were uplifted by the pope’s overall message of peace and equality.

Ms. Santos, a retired teacher who recently stopped working due a medical condition, said his smile “touched” her. “I was feeling really overwhelmed with my condition and leaving my job, but now I feel inspired by him.”

Joann Ferber of Manhattan is compelled by Pope Francis’ message unifying people from all walks of life.

“I accept all religions, and I support others who do the same,” she added. “I came because, even though I’m not particularly religious, he is such an intriguing figure, and his message has been amazing. It goes beyond religion.”