More than 80,000 residents and tourists cheered Pope Francis as he passed through Central Park Friday on his way from Harlem to Madison Square Garden.
The papal procession passed through the park on West Drive between 72nd and 60th Street. Security gates around the park perimeter opened up at noon Friday for ticket-holders to enter the area and secure a spot.
Admission to see the procession was limited to 80,000 winners of a ticket giveaway contest that was held by the city between September 3rd and 7th. More than 90,000 people entered the lottery.
"I can't believe that I won a lottery," said a ticket-holder waiting along Central Park West before the pope arrived. "It was more exciting than winning a million dollars."
"Blessing, blessing. Everybody's blessed. New York is very blessed. Everybody get the blessing from the Lord because the pope is representing him," another New Yorker said.
The pope entered the park following his visit to an East Harlem school where he is met with grade-schoolers and spoke to a group of refugees and immigrants.
Those who waited hours to see the pope pass through the park were happy for the chance.
"I'm just happy to be out here," one ticket-holder said. "I'm happy the pope is here in the United States and the message that he's bringing to not just Christians and Catholics, but to the whole world."
"I've been waiting for this my whole life," said one woman. "I'm just so thankful. Thank you Pope Francis for coming. We love you."
Earlier Friday, the pope addressed the United Nations General Assembly and presided over a multi-faith ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial.