Above: Xavier students, along with their counterparts from the Notre Dame
School of Manhattan, speak to PIX 11 News about the upcoming papal visit.

Anticipation for Papal Visit Grows 

By Nick Byrne '11

As you walk through the main entrance of Xavier High School this week, you should expect to be greeted by a familiar face—not that of President Jack Raslowsky or Headmaster Michael LiVigni, but by a life-size cardboard cutout of Pope Francis.

In anticipation of the Pontiff’s arrival in New York City on Thursday, September 24, Xavier students, faculty, and staff have rallied together to share their excitement about this historic event. Pope Francis bobbleheads have made their way onto faculty members’ desks, while Pope emojis have been downloaded and exchanged as well.

It's safe to say that the papal visit is the talk of the town.

On September 15, President Jack Raslowsky spoke to reporter Cal Perry of Voice of America’s Hashtag VOA program about student reactions to the papal visit. The next day, a crew from PIX 11 News visited 16th street to hear student perspectives about the historic event. Reporter James Ford spoke with Christian Raslowsky ’16, Harley Guachichulca ’16, and two students from the Notre Dame School of Manhattan to hear about their hopes for Pope Francis’ visit and his future influence on the church and the world.

Next week, Xavier will host a Pope Watch Party on September 24 to give students an opportunity to watch the Pope's address to Congress in real time. Six lucky Xavier students, who were chosen at random, will also travel to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, next weekend.

Stay tuned to Xavier's social media channels throughout the week for continuing coverage of the papal visit.