Pope Francis visits Our Lady Queen of Angels school in East Harlem
EAST HARLEM, N.Y. (WABC) -- Students at an East Harlem school are getting their long-awaited chance to meet Pope Francis.
The pope arrived at about 4 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels school.
He was greeted like a rock star by rows of cheering students, all armed with smart phones to take pictures.
Watch the unedited video of his arrival here:
Pope Francis blessed the students and shook their hands and placed his hands on their heads. One student asked for a hug, and the pope obliged, only to have a member of security break up the embrace.
Once inside, the pontiff met with a select group of third and fourth graders.
24 students from four Catholic schools throughout Harlem sang for the Holy Father as he walked into the room.
Then, they got the chance to give presentations on projects relating to issues important to him, such as the environment and service to others.
One such presentation involved a lesson on a touch screen television. The two students suggested that Pope Francis give it a try. After three unsuccessful attempts, a little girl told the pope, "You have to double click it!" As the pope moved an item on the screen, everyone in the room cheered.
The lucky students got word of the visit over the summer.
Other young students did some planting and prepared some environmentally oriented projects that they showed Pope Francis.
Students from Saint Ann's School spruced up a section of East 110th Street.
After the presentations, the pope gave a speech to immigrants and students.
