Pope Francis once said, "We are all connected to each other. Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures and which also unites us in fond affection with brother sun, sister moon, brother river and mother earth."

Animal Care Centers of NYC is one of the largest animal welfare organizations in the country and the only animal shelter in New York City that takes in all animals, regardless of age, health or species. On any given day, the ACC East Harlem shelter cares for over 300 homeless and abandoned animals, just 2 blocks from Our Lady Queen of Angels School where the Pope is already scheduled to visit. While many of these animals come is as stray, others are surrendered by loving families who are faced with the difficult circumstances of living in poverty. By visiting the shelter and blessing the animals, Pope Francis will demonstrate to the world that shelter animals are important living beings who deserve the compassion and support of the entire community.