Mayor Eric Adams, who talks often about his faith, acknowledged on Saturday that he had felt some uncertainty — if not anxiety — about meeting Pope Francis.
But at the Vatican, as Mr. Adams stooped before the pope, he felt any disquiet he had wash away.
Pope Francis placed his hand on the mayor’s right arm.
“I think that some people have a level of aura and energy and the ability to just calm people,” said Mr. Adams, who is Christian but not Catholic.
The visit came as the mayor, who is up for re-election next year, faces difficulties in New York City, including lagging poll numbers and a federal investigation into his campaign fund-raising.
Persons:
Eric Adams, Pope Francis, Adams stooped, “, ”, Adams
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Locations:
Italy, New York, New York City