Pope Francis becomes the newest IDNYC cardholder, joining over 540,000 New Yorkers

Pope Francis was issued an IDNYC card by Mayor Bill de Blasio, who touted the card as the key to the city of New York for all city residents regardless of immigration or economic status, adding to the 540,000 municipal ID cardholders.

“IDNYC is about creating inclusion, compassion and unity for our city. Few have spoken more clearly and eloquently on the importance of these values and the rights of all humanity to be treated with dignity and respect than Pope Francis,” said de Blasio. “IDNYC is a card that allows every New Yorker – regardless of immigration or economic status – to live safely in their communities, interact with government, and receive services. It is a vital equalizer and true symbol of the Pope’s message to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”

“The Pope’s message of equality and unity resonates across the world and especially in New York City, home to people of all colors, faiths, and backgrounds. IDNYC is a resource  for all New Yorkers, inclusive of the vibrant diversity that makes our city so unique – and it embodies the Pope’s call to uplift, empower, and respect  those whom society so often marginalizes.  New York City is committed to building up communities so that we may all rise together, and IDNYC is a crucial part of that goal,” added Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverto.

Since the program’s inception in January 2015, the New York Archdioceses and the Diocese of Brooklyn, both part of the IDNYC advocates coalition, have played a significant role in the implementation of the IDNYC by supporting outreach engagements among churches and parishes and through Catholic Charities. The city and the church shared the commitment to serving vulnerable communities, in particular addressing the needs of the city’s immigrant and low-income communities.

The de Blasio administration believes access to government and the ability to interact safely with law enforcement without fear should be central rights for all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration or economic status. Launched in January 2015, IDNYC provides an official government-issued identification card for all city residents, including the most vulnerable communities—the homeless, youth, the elderly, the formerly incarcerated and others who may have difficulty obtaining other government-issued ID, and, most notably, undocumented immigrants who are prohibited from receiving other forms of government issued identification.