Pope may address UN General Assembly

UNITED NATIONS (AP) – The Vatican's envoy to the United Nations strongly hinted that Pope Francis would visit New York next year to address world leaders at the General Assembly, saying Thursday that the coming 70th anniversary of the world body would be the ideal time.''

Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the permanent observer of the Holy See, also told The Associated Press that if he comes to Philadelphia, he will come to New York.''

Pope Francis in August confirmed that he wants to visit the United States in 2015 and that he'd like to go to Philadelphia for a family rally. The pope added that he's also been invited by President Barack Obama and Congress and by UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon.

Auza spoke Thursday about a coming exhibition of centuries-old manuscripts related to St. Francis of Assisi that will be on display later this month at the United Nations and then in Brooklyn. Pope Francis, a Jesuit from Argentina, was the first to name himself after the 13th century friar who gave up his wealth to minister to the poor.