(DNAINFO)  Nicole Levy — Pope Francis lands at John F. Kennedy International airport this Thursday for his brief visit, but pope-mania hit New York City weeks ago when the city organized a lottery for tickets to the 78-year-old pontiff’s upcoming procession through Central Park.It received 93,143 ticket requests for 40,000 pairs of tickets.

Francis’ humility, his progressive views and his engaging presence have made him one popular Holy Father. According to Pew Research Center polls, his popularity in February reached 90 percent among Catholics and 70 percent among the general public. And a papal visit to New York City has always seemed to drive New Yorkers into a frenzy.

Source: Pope Francis Visit: A Look at Past Papal Trips to NYC – Midtown East – DNAinfo.com New York