The pope’s visit to the U.S. means increased security around the country, including here in Connecticut, where commuters will notice a higher police presence at New Haven's Union Station over the next couple days.
Pope Francis, who finished out his first full day in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, continues his U.S. tour with a stop in New York on Thursday and Friday.
The pontiff's itinerary includes visits to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and an address to the United Nations General Assembly.
Police expect many will travel to see him.
"I heard that they are expecting some big crowds," said Kalin Kanov, of Hamden.
A couple who happened to be traveling to New York for business will be in the area of one of the pope's stops.
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"I think our event (Thursday) afternoon is about a block away. So who knows, we might have a chance to run into him and if we did that’s great. He’s an honorable man who I think has tried to do some really good work in the body of the church," said Danville, Kentucky, resident John Roush.
Because of the expected increase in train travelers, additional officers will be present at Union Station on Thursday from noon until 6 p.m., according to police.
Commuters will notice increased patrols during the morning and afternoon rush Friday.
"It’s good because too many crazy things have been happening lately," said New Haven resident Dmario Parish.
Metro-North says its schedule for Thursday is normal, but changes including additional trains and cancellations will take effect Friday.
They are urging travelers to buy train tickets ahead of time to help avoid the long lines.
TRAIN SCHEDULE:
On the New Haven Line on Friday, the 6:31 a.m. train from New Haven, making all stops through Bridgeport as well as Stamford, is cancelled. The 6:20 a.m. train from New Haven, which leaves Stamford at 7:27 a.m., will run express and will not make its normal stops at Old Greenwich, Riverside, Cos Cob and Greenwich.
The 7:13 a.m. train from New Canaan, leaving Stamford at 7:31 a.m. will make additional stops at Old Greenwich, Riverside, Cos Cob and Greenwich, then run express to Harlem-125th Street and Grand Central Terminal.
