DE BLASIO SAYS HE WAS HAPPY JUST TO BE NEAR POPE FRANCIS DURING ROME TRIP

De Blasio says he was happy just to be near Pope Francis during Rome trip

BY Jennifer Fermino

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Wednesday, July 22, 2015, 5:36 AM



  Nicholas Fevelo/New York Daily News

Mayor de Blasio arives in Vatican City for a workshop on Climate Change and Modern Slavery on Tuesday.

Mayor de Blasio never even got to meet Pope Francis during his whirlwind trip to Rome — but just being in the same room Tuesday with the leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics was a thrill.

“It was fun even to be close to him,” de Blasio told reporters after addressing a meeting of mayors from all over the world.

Speaking at the Vatican and representing New York City was “one of the great moments” in his professional and personal life, he said.

“This is a leader such as we haven’t seen before, really. He is saying things so clearly and so powerfully all over the world that need to be said,” said de Blasio.

The mayor arrived about 90 minutes late for the Vatican summit on climate change after his flight from New York was delayed in Milan because of fog.

  Nicholas Fevelo/for New York Daily News

De Blasio (upper right) stands behind Pope Francis during the workshop.

Appearing unfazed — but at times a little sleepy — the half-Italian mayor took the stage saying “buongiorno” and promised that New York, under his command, would be a leader in cutting greenhouse emissions.

“In my city, it has become painfully obvious that we have to set difficult goals for ourselves. The extent of the climate crisis demands it,” he said before vowing to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.

That’s on top of a previously stated goal of 80% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050.

Although de Blasio did not get to meet Francis in Italy, he still has a shot at some face time with the pontiff, who will be in New York in September for two nights.

  Nicholas Fevelo/New York Daily News

The mayor greets Sister Eugenia Bonett, the head of the anti-human trafficking organization Slaves No More, at the New Synod Hall in Vatican City.

The visit coincides with the UN General Assembly, which de Blasio said will make it extra challenging to coordinate.

“But we’re ready,” said de Blasio.

“There’s tremendous energy in New York City in anticipation of the Pope’s visit,” he said.

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Tags: bill de blasio ,  pope francis