The Pope has arrived in New York to address the United Nations.

His Holiness touched down from Washington on an early morning flight and was whisked to the UN's General Assembley.

Hundreds of people gathered at a plaza outside the UN, some waving banners proclaiming: ""Wilkomen Pope Benedict XVI."

One added the words "You Rock!"

The UN setting contrasted dramatically with the intimacy of a meeting on Thursday, at which Benedict prayed with weeping victims of childhood sexual abuse by priests.

At the UN, he is likely to encourage the notion that individuals and states can rise above their own self interests and pursue the common good.

The Pope's New York visit will also include a visit to Ground Zero, though he is not scheduled to speak. Other highlights include a Mass at baseball venue Yankee Stadium, a visit to a synagogue, and a meeting with leaders of other Christian denominations.

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