Secret service, NYPD, undercover agents.. they are everywhere outside St. Joseph’s Church in Yorkville.

I am sitting right across the street behind metal barricades along with many other reporters and cameramen anticipating the pope’s arrival later this afternoon. It is a very warm day here in New York, and the sun is beating down on the concrete - which is making it feel like we are all sitting in a ceramic kiln.

All eyes are pointed to the sky, watching for the sun to make it’s way past the top of the Church’s building to create more shade.

The excitement for the pope’s arrival is tangible. Many curious people are standing at the end of the barricaded block craning their necks as they try to eyeball the action… which really hasn’t started yet.

The pope is still hours away from arrival, but security is extremely tight. We aren’t allowed to move beyond our designated few feet outlined by the Secret Service — in fact, I just got yelled at for trying to get close to the barricade at the end of the block so I could take pictures of the people hanging over the metal gates. So, with that, I give you the only pictures I have been able to take so far.

New York’s Cardinal Edward Egan just showed up just a few minutes ago….

our camera man Tommy Chiu is ready for action,

And, no doubt recognize this person, my new friend - Dari Alexander, New York Fox 5, 6 p.m. anchor, we are using the steps of a walk up apartment right now as a working office!

Update: 6pm The Pope is here — and his followers are elated. This is the first Christian event for the Pope in New York, as he meets Protestant and Orthodox and Catholic leaders. Pope Benedict has said that he believes that there is too much division among Christian religions.. and that he hopes that he can help bring everyone closer together with a common understanding with his visit.

Can you imagine what it must have been like for this mother to have the Pope walk up and kiss her child as he entered the Church? Unbelievable, of course. Her name is Amy Carillo and that is her daughter Ashley who turns 8 months old tomorrow… what a gift.

With a huge day behind him, the Pope was off with his Papal entourage into the New York night, to meet up with a group of U. S. Cardinals and advisers for a special dinner, and I’m sure some much needed rest. Tomorrow, it’s off to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by a “Popemobile Parade”, and a visit to St. Joseph’s Seminary where we will be bringing you more live reports

Stay tuned!