BID appeals for pope to visit Bronx

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Some devout Bronxites are calling for Pope Francis to visit the borough during a one-day stop in New York City later this year.

The 161st Street Business Improvement District (BID) is leading a movement to encourage the head of the Catholic Church to speak at Yankee Stadium or visit another site in the Bronx.

The group has decorated sidewalks near Borough Hall with large pictures of the pope, while area businesses are displaying posters with his smiling visage in their windows, according to a release.

Cary Goodman, the head of the BID, said the Bronx is a natural place for the first pope from Latin America to visit. Pope Francis comes from Argentina.

“This is the people’s pope,” Mr. Goodman said. “This is a pope who has a great connection to the suffering of the poor. I think it’s absolutely appropriate that he come to the Bronx. The Bronx is the single most diverse county in the entire country.”

Elected officials including Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. have extended an invitation to the Vatican, according to the BID.

The Archdiocese of New York has closed or merged a number of churches amid dwindling attendance at services. Still, Rev. Thomas Lynch of Our Lady of Angels Parish Church on Webster Avenue said a visit by the popular Pope Francis would be a blessing.

“We’d be delighted. Goodness,” Rev. Lynch said. “If it’s not the Bronx… I wouldn’t be surprised if the Holy Father wanted to walk with the poor or go somewhere where the poor would be invited to come.”

Since his election to the papacy in 2013, Pope Francis has made international headlines for outspoken comments on poverty and social issues.

Mr. Goodman said he hopes a March meeting between Vatican and New York City officials ahead of the pope’s September visit includes discussion about an appearance in the Bronx.

He added he was planning a prayer rally for Friday, Feb. 27, but details were not complete as of press time.

Pope Francis, 161st Street BID, Catholic Church, Yankee Stadium, Cary Goodman, Rev. Thomas Lynch, Our Lady of Angels Parish Church

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