The pope honors the 3,000 9/11 victims with interfaith ceremony in the foundations of the fallen Twin Towers hours before being greeted by 'overwhelming' crowds of faithful in Central Park

• The pope started his day by giving a rousing speech to the United Nations General Assembly 
• He then went to meet with 9/11 victims families before holding a multi-religious prayer service inside the National September 11 museum
• After taking a break for lunch, the pope visited Our Lady Queen of Angels school in East Harlem 
• Following the school visit, the pope will parade through Central Park where 80,000 have gathered to see him  
• Pope Francis finishes his day at Madison Square Garden where he will give mass for 20,000 
• Tomorrow morning, the pope will jet out of New York for Philadelphia - the last leg of his U.S. visit  

By Associated Press and Dailymail.com Reporters

Published: 06:29 EST, 25 September 2015 | Updated: 19:05 EST, 25 September 2015

In the most emotional speech of his American tour yet, Pope Francis mourned the lives of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attacks and condemned senseless acts of violence while speaking in the foundations of the former Twin Towers. 

Speaking at an interfaith ceremony at the National September 11 museum, the pope said there should be opposition to 'any attempt to make us all the same.' Rather, he encouraged all to 'say yes to our differences, accepting reconciliation.'

Francis visited the museum after praying beside the memorials' twin fountains and meeting with several victims' families. Earlier in the day, he gave a rousing speech to the United Nations General Assembly, as he continues his six-day, three-city tour of the U.S. And as he toured Ground Zero, tens of thousands started streaming in to Central Park where the pope is scheduled to hold a parade later today. 

As he took the podium this afternoon, Pope Francis quickly apologized that he would giving his speech in Spanish, saying his skills in English were not as good.

He then reflected on his feelings upon visiting the site where so many lives were lost.

'I have many different feelings,' the pope said. 'I'm moved by being here at Ground Zero where thousands of lives were taken in a senseless act of violence. You can feel the pain here. It's palpable.' 

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Pope Francis speaks during a multi-religious prayer for peace at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on September 25, 2015 in New York City

The pope joined several other religious leaders inside the National September 11 Memorial & Museum for a prayer service for the 9/11 victims

Pope Francis, center, looks on as Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, left, shakes hands with Imam Khalid Latif, right, during the interfaith ceremony on Friday

The visit to the 9/11 museum and memorial was the second stop on Pope Francis' first full day in New York City. Earlier in the day, he addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations  

A cardboard cutout of Pope Francis is visible over the crowd waiting to watch a papal procession in Central Park on Friday, September 25, 2015, in New York

Tens of thousands streamed into Central Park on Friday for the pope's parade through the New York City green space 

Some 80,000 people were estimated to be in attendance for when the pope passes through in his popemobile after visiting a school in East Harlem 

People are given a briefing before going through security screening to enter Central Park where Pope Francis will ride in a motorcade on September 25, 2015 in New York City

Thousands of people wait to go through security screening to enter Central Park where Pope Francis will ride in a motorcade on September 25, 2015 in New York City

He then spoke about the fountains above the museum, saying the water is symbolic of the tears of the victims. 

'The water we see flowing towards that empty pit reminds us of all those lives which fell prey to those who believe that destruction is the only way to solve conflicts, tearing down, is the only way to settle conflicts.

'That silent cry of those who were victims of a mindset which knows only violence, hate and revenge. A logic which can only cause pain, suffering, destruction and tears,' he said.

He said that the water is not only symbolic of the victims, but of the tears of those they left behind our ladywho will forever mourn their loss.  

'This is a place where we cry, we cry out of a sense of helplessness in the face of injustice, murder, and the inability to settle conflicts through conversation.

'In this place we cry for the injustice and the loss of innocent lives because of the inability to find solutions that respect the common good. This water reminds us of yesterday’s tears, but also of all the tears being shed today.

The pope spoke about meeting some of these families right before the service, and how they made him 'see again how acts of destruction are never impersonal'.  

'They always have faces, real stories, names. In those family members, we see the face of pain, a pain which still leaves us speechless and cries out to heaven,' he said.

However, Pope Francis said that these families also showed him 'the other face of this attack,' reminding him of the 'power of love and remembrance'.

The pope went on to say that the way the city came together after the attacks gives him hope for the future.

About 400 people were in attendance at the 9/11 museum on Friday for the pope's speech, including more than a dozen victims' families 

Pope Francis looked somber as he walked passed a fire truck smashed on September 11, 2001. He is accompanied above with Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York 

After giving his speech, Pope Francis was lead through parts of the museum, which is located underground at the site of the former Twin Towers' foundations 

In his speech at the 9/11 museum, Pope Francis called for peace through the embracing of diversity among religions and races  

Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Cardinal Dolan and Monsignor Mark Miles - the pope's English translator - ride the staircase down into the 9/11 museum on Friday

'In a metropolis which might seem impersonal, faceless, lonely, you demonstrated the powerful solidarity born of mutual support, love and self-sacrifice.

'At that moment no one thought about race, nationality, neighborhoods, religion or politics. It was all about solidarity, meeting immediate needs, brotherhood...

'New York City firemen came into the towers that were crumbling, with no concern for their own well being. Many fell. For duty and in sacrifice they were able to save a great many others.

'This place of death became a place of life too, a place of saved lives, a song that affirms that life will always triumph over the prophets of destruction and death, and good over evil, reconciliation and unity over hatred and division.'

In holding a multi-religious ceremony at the site, the pope said he hopes that this will send a message to the world that members of all beliefs and races can live peacefully together, despite their differences.

'For all our differences and disagreements, we can live in a world of peace.

'In the face of every attempt to make us uniform, we can and must build unity on the basis of our diversity of languages, cultures and religions, and raise our voices against anything that would stand in the way of such unity.

'Together we are called to say "no" to every attempt to make us the same, and "yes" to accepting diversity and reconciliation,' the pope said.

Pope Francis said that the only way to achieve this peace was to 'rid from our hearts all feelings of hate.'

He then called for a few moments of silence to pray for peace.

'Peace in our homes, our families, our schools and our communities. Peace in all those places where war never seems to end. Peace for those people whose faces have known nothing but pain. Peace throughout this world which God has given us as the home of all and a home for all. Simply, peace.'

Pope Francis finished his speech by saying the best way to memorialize the victims of 9/11 is through dedication to this peace.

'In this way, the lives of the ones we loved will not be forgotten. Instead, they will be present whenever we strive to be prophets, not of tearing down but of building up, prophets of reconciliation, the prophets of peace.'

Pope Francis pauses and prays next to a piece of art in the museum titled 'Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning' by Spencer Finch on Friday

When he arrived at Ground Zero on Friday, the pope stood at the side of the twin reflecting pools where he spent a few moments with his head bowed in solemn silence. He then laid a white flower, a symbol of innocence and purity, on the side of the fountains which bare the names of the fallen.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg then introduced the pope to several victims' families outside the museum. About 3,000 people were killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in New York as well as in Washington, DC and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. 

Also on site for the papal visit today was Rudy Giuliani, who was mayor of New York City at the time of the attacks, as well as current Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, accompanied by his longtime girlfriend Sandra Lee. 

The pope then went inside the museum where he joined leaders from the city's many religious communities. Jewish, Muslim, Greek Orthodox, Hindu and other faiths' leaders sat next to the pope and took turns speaking during the interfaith ceremony.  

The event was held near the underground flood wall that separates lower Manhattan from the Hudson River and held fast during the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The wall sits next to what is known as the 'Last Column,' the final steel beam removed during the recovery after the attacks.

Eighteen relatives of people who died in the attacks were among the 400 invited to hear the pope's remarks.  

Immediately after arriving on the site on Firday, the took a moment and bow his head and pray next to the twin reflecting pools outside the museum

Following a few moments of solemn silence, the pope met with a few victims' families. Some 3,000 people were killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 

Former New York City mayors Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani were present Friday morning for the pope's visit to Ground Zero

Pope Francis and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, left, pray at the South Pool of the 9/11 Memorial in downtown Manhattan on Friday 

Pope Francis is seen above speaking a prayer for the 9/11 victims, with the support of leaders from various other religions, inside the museum on Fridayt

About a dozen religious leaders from the Jewish, Muslim, Greek Orthodox, Hindu and other faiths sat in chairs beside the pope and took turns speaking at the interfaith ceremony

The event was held near the underground flood wall that separates lower Manhattan from the Hudson River and held fast during the 2001 terrorist attacks

The ring that surrounds the infinity fountains bare the names of those lost in the attacks on the Twin Towers in 2001, as well as those who died in the 1993 bombing   

Security guards and bishops made up the pope's entourage as he arrived at the former Ground Zero on Friday  

Pope Francis looks up at buildings surrounding the 9/11 Memorial while visiting the South Pool at the World Trade Center in New York on Friday

A woman holds a flag showing Pope Francis as the pontiff visits the memorial to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York on Friday

Before his moving speech, Pope Francis offered a blessing to the victims of September 11 and asked God to give their surviving family members the 'strength to continue their lives with courage and hope'.

The pope then asked God to 'bring your peace to our violent world. Peace in the hearts of all men and women and peace among the nations of the world.

'We seek your light and guidance as we confront such terrible actions.

'Comfort, give us solace, strength, love and hope, and give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for the world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all.' 

Following a few hours break for lunch and to rest, the pope then headed to visit  Our Lady Queen of Angels School, set amid public housing in the heavily Hispanic neighborhood of East Harlem.

Students whipped out their cellphones to take selfies with the pope as he arrived at Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem on Friday

Pope Francis was just as happy to see the schoolchildren this afternoon in East Harlem 

Pope Francis visits Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem in New York, September 25, 2015

Pope Francis plays in front of a screen with students as he visits Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem in New York on September 25, 2015

Pope Francis touches a student's face as he visits Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem in New York, September 25, 2015

The pope arrived at the school just after 4pm, and proceeded to greet hundreds of kids waiting for him outside with blessings and taking selfies with a few.

A line of children shrieked and chanted 'Holy Father, we love you!' as he made his way along a barricade outside the school which teaches kindergarden through eighth grade.

A beaming pope blessed them, shaking hands and posing for a few selfies. Some children embraced him, but a security guard intervened when one girl gave him a big hug.

Later they sang 'When the Saints Go Marching In,' changing the words to 'when the pope goes marching in.'

Inside the school, a classroom greeted the pope with song by singing the hymn of St Francis, and he encouraged them to sing louder by comically holding a hand up to his hear.

After the song, the pope led the class in the Holy Mary prayer before walking around the class to answer questions from the kids. His translator, Monsignor Mark Miles, followed him around translating the student's questions in English into the pope's native Spanish. At least one of the children spoke to the pope in Spanish, which is perhaps not surprising considering that many of the students at the school have learned English as a second language. The East Harlem neighborhood where the school is located is also know as Spanish Harlem for its predominantly Latin American residents.

He also got a bit of a tech lesson from one of the students. The pontiff was looking at projects that students from various schools had prepared for his visit. One had a touch screen with information about the environment.

As he examined it, Kayla Osborne asked him if he would like to try it.

Pope Francis spoke with schoolchildren at Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem after his visit to the 9/11 museum on Friday

Pope Francis, accompanied by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, left, and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (center, right) prays as he visits Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem in New York, September 25, 2015 

Pope Francis talks to students as he visits Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem in New York, September 25, 2015

After speaking with a class of children, the pope gave an inspiring sermon on the importance of dreaming to a crowd of mostly immigrant families  

Smiling, Francis had a go at moving items around on the screen. Kayla took his hand to help him. But the pope - who has said he hasn't watched TV in decades and doesn't know how to use a computer - couldn't quite get the hang of it.

So she did it for him, and then clicked to a screen that said, 'We also thank God for the gift of having you as our pope.'

After visiting with the schoolchildren, the pope walked to a nearby auditorium where he greeted several immigrants, many of them speaking Spanish with him. Some immigrant workers gave the pope gifts of a tool belt and a hard hat, while two women gave him altar linens. Two students in soccer uniforms showed off their soccer skills and asked the pope what his favorite soccer team was. 'San Lorenzo,' the pope replied.

He then spoke to the children at mostly-minority school about the importance of education, with a speech referencing Martin Luther King Jr's famous 'I Have a Dream' speech.

Francis told the children that King's dream of equal opportunity was a hope that children like them could get an education.

The pope says 'it is beautiful to have dreams' and to be able to fight for them.

It's the second time Francis has mentioned the civil rights leader and Baptist minister during the pope's first visit to the United States. Francis told Congress on Thursday that King's dream 'continues to inspire us all.'

Following the school visit, the pope rode through Central Park in his popemobile to greet some 80,000 onlookers before heading to Madison Square Garden for a mass for 18,000.

The pope is currently in the middle of a six-day, three-city tour of the United States. He spent the first three days of his trip in Washington, DC meeting with President Obama, addressing Congress and visiting various Catholic charities.  

Mayor Michael Bloomberg arrived on the site before the pope Friday morning. He later helped introduce several victims' families to the pontiff  

A woman places flowers on the name of her son, an architect who died during the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks, at the edge of the South Pool at the World Trade Center in New York on Friday 

Family members of September 11 terrorist attacks victims wait for Pope Francis to arrive at the 9/11 memorial in New York on September 25, 2015. Pope Francis, who has built a wide global following for his reform-minded views, is on a five-day official visit to the US

A police officer looks on at the former Ground Zero site ahead of the pope's appearance on Friday  

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, left, and his wife, Judith Giuliani, right, look at a candle on the South Pool at the World Trade Center in New York on Friday

Giuliani was mayor of New York City on September 11, 2001 - the day of the attacks  

Before heading downtown to visit the World Trade Center site, the pope kicked off his day with a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in which he called on world leaders to combat climate change, end nuclear programs and elevate the poor.

The pope's speech marked the largest gathering of dignitaries in the UN's 70-year history and attendees included Cuban President Raul Castro, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai. 

Speaking in the packed General Assembly hall, Francis stated that 'a right of the environment' exists.

He said the universe is the result of a 'loving decision by the creator, who permits man respectfully to use creation for the good of his fellow men and for the glory of the creator: He is not authorized to abuse it, much less destroy it.'

Echoing his encyclical's key message, he said a 'selfish and boundless thirst for power and material prosperity leads both to the misuse of available natural resources and to the exclusion of the weak and disadvantaged.'

He called for immediate access for the world's poor to adequate food, water and housing, as well as religious freedom.

He drew applause when he called for a reform of the U.N. system and international financial agencies to give poor countries a greater say.

That, he said, would ensure that they aren't subjected to 'oppressive lending systems, which, far from promoting progress, subject people to mechanisms which generate greater poverty, exclusion and dependence.'

While his speech carried a progressive social message, Francis also made clear that he firmly upholds the church's unchanging doctrine on life issues: He called for the 'absolute respect for life in all its stages' - including the unborn. He cited 'moral law written in nature itself' in insisting there is a natural difference between men and women. The Catholic Church has been on a campaign to denounce 'gender theory' and the idea that people can choose their sex.

Pope Francis started his first full day in New York by addressing the United Nations General Assembly at the organization's headquarters in midtown New York City

Malala Yousafzai, center in blue, watches Pope Francis deliver his address to the United Nations on the eve of the General Debate of the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday

Pope Francis delivered his address to the United Nations on the eve of the General Debate of the UN General Assembly 

'We Christians...believe that the universe is the fruit of a loving decision by the Creator, who permits man respectfully to use creation for the good of his fellow men and for the glory of the Creator; he is not authorized to abuse it, much less to destroy it,' Pope Francis said Friday at the UN.

Pope Francis is the fifth pope to speak in front of the United Nations General Assembly 

Pope Francis smiled as he took his seat inside the United Nations General Assembly room on Friday 

The delegates gathered in the room stood and clapped as the pope came in to give his remarks to the group  

Pope Francis arrives to address the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, September 25, 2015 

The pope started off his speech by explaining how he and his former popes admired the work that the UN does in promoting world peace  

Pope Francis entered the General Assembly room illuminated by a spotlight Friday morning at the organization's headquarters in NYC 

And he repeated his denunciation of the 'ideological colonization' of the developing world - a reference to how Western, progressive ideas about contraception and gay rights are often imposed on poor nations as a condition for development aid

Pope Francis was slightly early for his speech at the UN on Friday. 

He arrived at the organization's headquarters in midtown New York City just before 8:30am, where he was met by the UN's Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. The pope then met with a group of about 350 UN staffers. 

In a quick speech to the employees, he paid tribute to the everyday workers at the United Nations, calling all the cooks, cleaners and translators 'the backbone' of the organization. 

'I am grateful for all that you have done to prepare for my visit,' the pope said, adding that he was sorry for all that couldn't make it to the speech 'because of the lottery.' 

'Behind the scenes your daily efforts make possible many of the diplomatic culture, economic, and political initiatives of the United Nations which are so important for meeting the hopes and expectations of the people.' 

While his visit marks the fifth time a pope has been to the United Nations, the Vatican's gold-and-white flag will be raised for the first time just before his arrival. 

The General Assembly recently agreed to allow the U.N.'s two observer states, the Holy See and Palestine, to fly their flags alongside those of the 193 member states. 

On Thursday, in Washington, the pope waded into bitter disputes while speaking to Congress, entreating the nation to share its immense wealth with those less fortunate. He also urged the nation to abolish the death penalty, fight global warming and embrace immigrants.

Francis wraps up his U.S. visit this weekend in Philadelphia, where he speaks in front of Independence Hall and celebrates Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to close out a big rally on Catholic families.

Pope Francis addressed a small group of United Nations employees Friday morning ahead of his address to the General Assembly 

'I am grateful for all that you have done to prepare for my visit,' the pope told United Nations staffers, adding that he was sorry for all that couldn't make it to the speech 'because of the lottery.'

After his address to the UN staffers, the pope laid a wreath for all UN employees who have died doing their good work around the world 

Pope Francis, left, was greeted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, right, at the organization's building in New York City Friday morning, ahead of his address of the general assembly 

The pope's speech marked the largest gathering of world leaders at the United Nations in the organization's 70-year history

Shortly after arriving at the UN, the pope was ushered into a room with the secretary general to sign what appears to be the UN's guest book

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was in the General Assembly room  to hear Pope Francis address the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday

Merkel was seen chatting with Chrstine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, before the pope's speech

Delegates are seen making their way into the General Assembly Hall two hours before Pope Francis arrives to deliver his address to the United Nations on Friday

Colombian-born pop star Shakira arrives a the United Nations Friday morning ahead of the pope's speech. Like Shakira, the pope is a South American native

The sun rises over the East River and the 59th Street Bridge, left, several hours before Pope Francis arrives to deliver his address to the United Nations on the eve of the General Debate of the UN General Assembly in New York City on Frida

On Thursday evening, thousands cheered as Francis waved from his popemobile along Fifth Avenue en route to St. Patrick's Cathedral for evening prayers.

His reflections included his strongest expression yet of gratitude and respect for American nuns, whom he thanked for their strength, spirit and courage. 

Pews full of U.S. priests and sisters erupted in applause on hearing Francis' words, which came after he halted an overhaul the Vatican had ordered under his predecessor to the largest umbrella group of U.S. sisters. The Vatican office that guards orthodoxy had accused the nuns of straying from church teaching, which they denied.

In Washington earlier Thursday, the pope waded into bitter disputes while speaking to Congress, entreating the nation to share its immense wealth with those less fortunate. 

Before a House chamber packed with Supreme Court justices, Cabinet officials, lawmakers and Vice President Joe Biden, he urged Congress and the nation to abolish the death penalty, fight global warming and embrace immigrants.

Greetings, New York: Pope Francis waved to the thousands of well wishers on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, as he made his way to prayers at St Patrick's Cathedral Thursday evening, shortly after arriving in the city  

Pope Francis was greeted by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio (right), NYPD chief Bill Bratton (center) and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (left) as he arrived in the city on Thursday

Pope Francis said farewell to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Sandra Lee, wearing a veil, as he left the Cathedral after prayers no Thursday

As he entered the cathedral Thursday evening, Pope Francis walked up to a girl in a wheelchair and spent a few moments blessing her

Goodnight and God bless: The Pope was back in his traditional white robes as he left the Cathedral, turning back to wave to his followers on Thursday

WAX FIGURE OF POPE FRANCIS CAUSES CONFUSION IN NEW YORK CITY

A publicity stunt featuring a life-size wax figure of Pope Francis appearing to wave from the back of a convertible caused some confusion before the real pontiff showed up in New York City.

Officials at Madame Tussauds New York debuted their wax pope Thursday, showing the white-robed figure off around Manhattan in a popemobile-like car hours before Francis' plane arrived.

But spokeswoman Hillary Karsten says a surprised onlooker called police after mistakenly believing the figure was actually the pope.

Karsten said police officials contacted Madame Tussauds to make sure their pope was in fact wax. The New York Police Department didn't immediately return a message seeking details about the mix-up.

A publicity stunt featuring a life-size wax figure of Pope Francis appearing to wave from the back of a convertible caused some confusion before the real pontiff showed up in New York City.

Lawmakers gave rousing ovations despite obvious disagreements over some of his pleas. Though he offered an agenda more to Democrats' liking, Republicans heard something to applaud in his references to the sanctity of life and family relations, reminders that even the more open Roman Catholic Church over which Francis presides still condemns abortion and gay marriage.

His historic speech appeared determined to remind the United States of its foundations as a country made up of foreigners, addressing the chamber and the American people in personal terms as a son of immigrants to 'this great continent.'

'Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated,' he said. 'Let us seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves.'

Later, he underscored his message by traveling to a downtown Washington church, where he mingled with needy and homeless people, blessed their noontime meal and walked among them while they ate.

Francis wraps up his U.S. visit this weekend in Philadelphia, where he speaks in front of Independence Hall and celebrates Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to close out a big Catholic families rally. 

Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, making history as the first pontiff to do so. Listening behind the pope are Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio

Pope Francis holds his hands out over the masses gathered outside the Capitol building on Thursday

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