Pope Francis Takes America by Storm on Next METROFOCUS on Thirteen

The award-winning series MetroFocus premieres a new episode in the New York metro area on Thursday, September 24 at 7 p.m. on WLIW21, 8:30 p.m. on THIRTEEN and 10:30 p.m. on NJTV.

In this special edition of MetroFocus, Pope Francis is taking America and New York City by storm. As he makes his historic first-time pilgrimage to the United States and through the streets of Manhattan, we turn our attention to Pope Francis, the man - his message of faith, his foundation as a Jesuit and man of science, and his flock's reaction to his journey.

Monsignor Jim Lisante, host of the weekly radio program "Personally Speaking" and Pastor at Our Lady Of Lourdes Church in Massapequa Park, Long Island, sits down with MetroFocus to discuss the pontiff, his visit and his charm.

As the world discusses Pope Francis' message of inspiration, MetroFocus turns its lens to a man who takes that message to heart every day. New York Times best-selling author and television personality Father Jonathan Morris left a very high-profile position within the walls of Vatican Square for a more humble life on the streets of New York City, among the poor in Bronx, New York, where he leads Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

And what are the origins of Pope Francis' humble beginnings? Many say it's his Jesuit education that made him the religious leader he is today. But what is a Jesuit? And what are the implications of a Jesuit Pope for the Vatican and for the world? Jesuit insider and NJTV anchor and host Mary Alice Williams sits down with MetroFocus to explain the changing face of Catholics and the church.

And finally, MetroFocus features an inside look at the historic midtown New York treasure that received Pope Francis for prayers: St. Patrick's Cathedral. But the breathtaking national landmark didn't always sparkle so brilliantly. A new documentary, "Treasures of New York: St. Patrick's Cathedral" documents the $175 million dollar restoration that was completed just in time for a visit from his holiness himself.

MetroFocus Series Overview

MetroFocus is an award-winning multi-platform news magazine focusing on the New York region. The MetroFocus television program features interviews, in-depth reporting, content from many partners and solutions-oriented reports from the community. Major areas of coverage include sustainability, education, Science and technology, the environment, transportation, poverty and underserved communities. MetroFocus.orgamplifies that reporting with daily updates and original stories that also cover culture, government and politics, the economy, urban development and other news in the metropolitan region. More information at: thirteen.org/metrofocus/about-us-faq/

MetroFocus is a production of WLIW21 in association with WNET, parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21. For 50 years, THIRTEEN has been making the most of the rich resources and passionate people of New York and the world, reaching millions of people with on-air and online programming that celebrates arts and culture, offers insightful commentary on the news of the day, explores the worlds of Science and nature, and invites students of all ages to have fun while learning.

MetroFocus is made possible by James and Merryl Tisch, the Ford Foundation, Cheryl and Philip Milstein Family, Charlotte and David Ackert, Jody and John Arnhold, Betty and John Levin and the Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn Foundation. Corporate funding is provided by Mutual of America.

To post a comment, you must register and login.