Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Appears Live on 1010WINS

September 25, 2015

Bridgette Quinn: Mr. Mayor, thanks for being with us. How would you describe the reception the Pope’s been getting so far?

Mayor Bill de Blasio: I think its extraordinary Bridgette. I think that people of New York City are welcoming Pope Francis with open arms. You know, I’ve been saying that the greatest moral leader in the world coming to the greatest city in the world is a match made in heaven. And you can tell it’s true. There’s just extraordinary enthusiasm and warmth being directed at Pope Francis now that he is here among us.

Bridgette Quinn: Has anything about the visit surprised you at all?

Mayor: I think the positive impact it’s having on everyone and I was hopeful this would be the case, and I see it playing out that he is a figure of inclusion and compassion. And I think people are feeling it very personally. I think there was a joy in New York City yesterday that you could really feel in the air. And everyone’s felling it – doesn’t matter if you’re a Catholic or Christian or of even faith or any background. I think people are feeling it pretty universally.

Bridgette Quinn: He has such a busy day today, and I understand you’re going to be at most of the events if not all – anyone that you’re particularly looking forward to?

Mayor: I’m really excited to see him with families and children in East Harlem because we know he has such love for actually connecting with people, hearing people, you know, being with people – very humanly, very personally. And he’s going to have an opportunity to talk to people who epitomize the American dream and epitomize everything that immigration has meant for this city. And he’s really been the leading voice in the world defending immigrants, and so that’s going to be a powerful moment.

Bridgette Quinn: Cardinal Dolan asked him to come back soon. Do you think he might?

Mayor: I don’t know if he’ll come back soon, but I do know this; he knows that the hearts of the people of New York City are with him. So, I think New York City is going to be in his heart and mind for a long time.

Bridgette Quinn: Very quickly before I let you get away, any message for New Yorkers getting around town today?

Mayor: Oh absolutely, look, yes there will be some inconveniences today and please take mass transit or walk if you have the option to, but it’s worth it. It is going to uplift us all. It’s going to inspire us all. So, it’s worth it all to have him here in our presence.

Bridgette Quinn: Mayor de Blasio with us live. Mr. Mayor, thank you.

Mayor: Thanks very much.