Pope Francis adds Central Park procession to list of New York City stops

A horse-drawn carriage moves along the West Drive in New York's Central Park, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015. Pope Francis will take a spin through Central Park while visiting New York City this month. The city announced Tuesday that the pontiff will travel through part of the park Sept. 25 before celebrating Mass at Madison Square Garden. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) (The Associated Press)

A skateboarder rides along the West Drive in New York's Central Park, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015. Pope Francis will take a spin through Central Park while visiting New York City this month. The city announced Tuesday that the pontiff will travel through part of the park Sept. 25 before celebrating Mass at Madison Square Garden. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) (The Associated Press)

Cyclists ride along the West Drive in New York's Central Park, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015. Pope Francis will take a spin through Central Park while visiting New York City this month. The city announced Tuesday that the pontiff will travel through part of the park Sept. 25 before celebrating Mass at Madison Square Garden. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) (The Associated Press)

Pope Francis will take a spin through Central Park while visiting New York City this month.

The city announced Tuesday that the pontiff will travel through part of the park Sept 25 before his Mass at Madison Square Garden.

New York residents interested in lining up along the pope's route can apply to receive two tickets via an online giveaway contest by visiting the city's website or by calling 311 from Thursday to Monday.

Winners will be notified Sept. 10.

Mayor Bill de Blasio says the procession will give thousands of New Yorkers an opportunity to come face-to-face with the pope.

The pontiff arrives in the city Sept. 24 and departs for Philadelphia on Sept. 26.

It will be Francis' first visit to the United States.