Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Speaks With W-NBC4's Michael Gargiulo and Darlene Rodriguez About The Papal Visit

September 24, 2015

Darlene Rodriguez: We are now less than 11 hours away from Pope Francis’ arrival here in New York City. This papal visit has prompted security measures and excitement like the city’s never seen.

Michael Gargiulo: And joining us live now from the Upper East Side to address it all is Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Rodriguez: Mr. Mayor, good morning. Thank you for joining us. We want to ask you – we know there’s going to be a huge police presence and you have a very powerful security plan in place. My question is, though, the Pope loves to interact with people and it seems like every event in every location is a closed, ticketed event. So we’re wondering will as many New Yorkers have access to him?

Mayor: Well, tens of thousands of New Yorkers will get a chance to see Pope Francis in Central Park. We have a wonderful procession that we’ve organized. We expect about 80,000 people. And there’ll be a lot of other points around the city where people will have a chance to see him. I think the enthusiasm, the energy is amazing because of what this Pope stands for, because he’s such an inspiring figure in the world. We’re going to protect him for sure. We have an extraordinary security apparatus in place. But as you said, we know he can be spontaneous, and he certainly – we wouldn’t be surprised if he wants to connect with people in the crowd at any given point, and we’ll be ready for that, and we’ll certainly be ready to protect him. 

Gargiulo: Mayor de Blasio, the Pope has spoke forcefully about taking care of the most vulnerable in our society, and it comes at a time when we have a debate about this right here in New York City. Do you think that his presence will change the nature of that debate when it comes to enforcement versus hope and building communities?

Mayor: I do. I do. I was with Cardinal Dolan yesterday and we announced an initiative with the Archdiocese of New York to provide for help for homeless people who haven’t come off the street, to give them a positive option called a Safe Haven to come into. And we are going to work with the archdiocese and with churches all over the city and with all faiths, really – with houses of worship of all faiths – to help get homeless folks off the street, to give them a better opportunity. This is inspired by Pope Francis. And I think people all over the city are listening to His Holiness’ message of inclusion, of respect for our common humanity. I do think his message is going to change this city and this country. I think it has already begun to over the last few years of his papacy. So I think what people in this city are going to feel is a real sense of inspiration to work more closely together, to recognize the common humanity of all, including people who have had a tough time in life or have lost their way. 

Rodriguez: Mr. Mayor, going back to the security issues, we understand that the NYPD was told off-duty officers should leave their guns home – and the PBA has spoken out against that order. Is that, in fact, the case, and can you tell us why?

Mayor: I couldn’t hear your question well enough about the specific instruction – say it again?

Rodriguez: We were told that the NYPD off-duty officers have been asked to leave their guns home if they’re attending papal events, and usually NYPD officers off-duty are able to carry their firearms. Is that true and can you tell us why?

Mayor: Well, I’ll – I’ll let the NYPD speak to the specifics, but the broad approach we take every day to protecting people is in place, and obviously we are experts here in this city in protecting foreign dignitaries. The NYPD is working very closely with the Secret Service and the FBI. So I think this will be a bigger version of what we normally do when it’s U.N. week and we have dignitaries from around the world. NYPD is using its normal effective protocol. So on any other details, I’ll let you speak to the NYPD about that. 

Gargiulo: Alright. Well, Mr. Mayor, we know you have a very busy day ahead of yourself – you’re going to get to meet the Pope, and we’re very excited for you and for our city. Thank you so much.

Mayor: Thank you.