Reopen NYC: COVID-19 leaves St. Patrick's Cathedral with $4 million budget shortfall

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- The lack of tourists caused by the coronavirus has left St. Patrick's Cathedral with a $4 million budget shortfall.

Church officials say the decrease in revenue may threaten the ability to pay its New York City bills.

The cathedral usually makes $2-$4 million annually, just from the money people give when lighting candles and offering prayers.

More than five million people who come through St. Patrick's doors each year are tourists.

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WATCH THE SERIES: EYEWITNESS TO A PANDEMIC (Episode 6 below)

Suddenly, the brutal death of George Floyd while in the custody of police officers in Minneapolis filled the streets of a nation with rage and sorrow. New York was no different. Protesters put the fear of the virus aside and took to the streets by the thousands. Abandoning the safety and comfort of social distance, to demand social change.

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