Pope Francis' 2015 NYC Visit: Connection at the 9/11 Memorial

A Defining Moment in NYC

• 💔 In 2015, Pope Francis visited New York City, making an emotional stop at the World Trade Center to honor victims of the September 11th attacks.
• 🤝 This visit forged a special connection with New Yorkers, particularly those who met him at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Personal Encounters and Grief

• ✝️ Virginia Power Bower and her son Steven shared a deeply personal moment with Pope Francis, asking for blessings and prayers.
• 😔 Virginia, a founding member of the museum, noted the Pope's palpable grief and genuine care for the people who perished on 9/11.
• 🕊️ Her husband, David, was among the victims, killed on the 105th floor of the Twin Towers.

Universality of the Church

• 🧑‍🦲 Will, a Franciscan friar, recalled a moment where Pope Francis' eyes lit up upon seeing his habit, highlighting a personal connection.
• 🤝 The Pope's interaction with Will and a small group of Buddhists and Catholics demonstrated the universality of the church.
• 🙏 Pope Francis asked Will to "Pray for me," a simple request that left a lasting impression and underscored the human element of his visit.