With less than three days until Pope Francis arrives in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio held fast that the city is prepared for the three-day visit.
Pope Francis’ first visit to the city coincides with dignitaries from around the world coming into for the United Nations General Assembly — including President Barack Obama.
RELATED:Pope Francis’ visit to New York City will be largest security challenge ever “We have…over 170 world leaders and His Holiness,” de Blasio said on ABC News’ “This Week” with host George Stephonalapis. “Never happened before at the same time, but the NYPD is absolutely ready.” In a pre-taped interview, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton also told ABC there were “no specifically identified threats directed against any of these events” as of late last week.
De Blasio said he was excited to see Pope Francis’ potential influence on the national discourse, given his positions on income inequality.
“I think it’s going to be one of those moments that we look back on and say this is a moment where American society and politics started to change,” the mayor said.