This week we asked readers their thoughts on Pope Francis’ momentous visit to New York City.

I watched it on TV; I didn’t even try to see him. My niece went and she asked me why he didn’t kiss her and I don’t have an explanation for that. I don’t know why he didn’t or if she was supposed to [have been], or if he was supposed to or not supposed to. I don’t have an explanation. But she said it was a good experience. Yeah, the traffic was really bad. It kind of got me upset. I didn’t know what was happening at first.
Marcus Diaz
Castle Hill

 

I think he’s getting the presidential treatment, he probably deserves it. Pope Francis seems like a good guy, a people person. He wants to be in tune with the public and out and about with them, touching them and interacting in that way, so I feel that. It brought positive energy and vibrations to the city.
Maurice James Reyes
Norwood

 

I read about it in the papers. I’m glad he came here because he seems to have a more open attitude than some of his predecessors in the church. I think that’s a very good thing. While he can’t go as far as I’d like to see him, he does seem to be trying to establish an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance, and I think that’s a big step forward. It’s a good thing for people to see him and hear what he has to say.
Jeremy Silver
Norwood

 

He brought hope and the Holy Spirit, and it was palpable. I watched the whole thing. Everything he said was correct and on the money. He was very careful in his comments, but it applied to the whole world, not just us. It was a worldly message. Absolutely, the whole city was down there at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Denise Smyth
Norwood

 

There were unannounced times where he’d mingle with the crowd, as opposed to only doing what was scheduled. Nobody said a word about the inconvenience it could cause to guards and cops and stuff regarding the security detail. I guess it could make some people behave better if it encourages people’s improved spirituality and behavior, if that’s what it takes.
Sherrie Pasarell
Van Cortlandt Park South