Watch Xaverian High School Jazz Band Perform For Pope Francis [Video]

As soon as Pope Francis stepped foot on the tarmac at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Thursday, he was greeted by members of the Xaverian High School Jazz Band, who serenaded the Pontiff with a 43-instrument arrangement of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.”

While the Pope walked through the airport and greeted the crowd, which included many dignitaries, politicians, and religious leaders, the band accompanied the procession with “City of God.” As the Pope departed, the boys — proudly wearing their Xaverian uniforms of navy Polos and khakis — continued to entertain the audience with a series of vintage jazz tunes.

In response to Pontiff’s request that he meet with young people during his historic visit, the Bay Ridge boy’s Catholic high school — the alma mater of many of our Bensonhurst neighbors — was informed that its students were selected to greet the Pope shortly before Labor Day, reports the Staten Island Advance. Just 43 of 120 young men who tried out were selected to perform for the Pope, a school spokesperson told the paper.

Enjoy the video above, and watch Pope Francis addressing the United Nations’ General Assembly live on the New York Times website right now.