By Anthony Izaguirre, Larry Mcshane From New York Daily News

From City Hall to the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the words of Pope Francis still resonated after his Saturday departure, and after a short yet memorable stay.

“Pope Francis’s visit was a historic experience for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers across the five boroughs,” said Mayor de Blasio shortly after the Pope headed south for Philadelphia.

“The Pope called upon us all to embrace immigrants, combat inequality and fight climate change — and I know New Yorkers throughout our city heard his powerful message.”

Outside the landmark Fifth Avenue cathedral, the Pope’s message of love and freedom echoed for those who were lucky enough to find their way in to the jam-packed Manhattan events.

“He wants to be with the people,” said Roque D’Souza, 57, who came from Toronto with other members of his church to see the Pope.

“We wanted to see him and hear his message,” said D’Souza. “We grew up with this idea that the Pope is separate from us, and that’s changing with Francis. He likes to meet and talk with people. He’s the people’s pope.”

Elizabeth Ndjakmo, 41, of the Cayman Islands, said the Pope’s comments about religious freedom, global warming and immigration merited attention long after his 39-hour drop-in came to a close.

Pope Francis celebrates his final mass of his visit to the United States at the Festival of Families on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sept. 27, 2015.POOL PHOTOPope Francis celebrates Sunday Mass at Benjamin Franklin Parkway Sept. 27, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis concludes his tour of the U.S. with events in Philadelphia on Saturday and Sunday.Pope Francis (3rd L) celebrates mass during the World Meeting of Families on Sept. 27, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis wrapped up his United States tour with the World Meeting of Families Papal Mass during on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.VIEW GALLERY
Pope Francis visits the United States
“I’m really happy everyone is connected with him,” she said. “I hope it’s not a one-time thing. We should carry on his message. He’s going to have an impact on society.”

Her friend, Aneita Williams, 59, was disappointed she never got to see the Pope — but remained excited by the visit.

“I love everything about him,” said Williams. “I love seeing him shake everyone’s hand. He likes to meet people. You need to interact with all sorts of people, rich and poor.”

De Blasio, who met with the Pope at Ground Zero and at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, remained thrilled by the Pope’s decision to spend two days in the Big Apple.

“I’m humbled that the world’s leading moral voice chose to grace our city with his presence, and deeply moved by the message of unity and compassion he brought here,” he said.

With Jennifer Fermino

IMAGES: VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES Nuns celebrate as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile during a parade in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, following a state arrival ceremony at the White House hosted by President Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)
POOL PHOTO RICHARD DREW/AP Tens of thousands lined the streets of Manhattan to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis during his visit.

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