Mayor Nutter: Papal visit going 'very, very well'

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Mayor Michael Nutter was in good spirits Sunday as he spoke to Action News about his thoughts on the papal visit so far.

The mayor noted people are getting out early in hopes of seeing the pope, receiving his blessing and being part of the historic event.

"Things have gone very, very well, and a lot of the credit goes to the citizens of our city and our visitors taking our advice whether it's walking paths or how to get to the different venues," said Mayor Nutter.

The mayor also took the time to thank city government officials including law enforcement for their efforts to keep everyone safe as well as local businesses for opening their doors to the city's visitors for the occasion.

"Everyone's been so cooperative to make this moment, this weekend, this experience as joyful, spiritual and just a whole lot of fun," said Mayor Nutter.

When asked about the lower turnout Saturday than original anticipated, the mayor said, "estimates are estimates, and there is no perfect way to know how many people were going to come."

He added it is city government's responsibility to be prepared as possible and have the proper resources, policies and procedures in place to accommodate who does show up.

"By the end of the day they'll be a whole lot more people here today on Sunday than there were on Saturday," said Mayor Nutter.

Click the image to see what the mayor had to say about how the city is stacking up to D.C. and New York in hosting Pope Francis, and how he will feel when the time comes to bid the pope farewell.