Hundreds of students, families and community members gathered for a candlelight procession at Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle on Tuesday.

The event honored and remembered Pope Francis. Organizers also led prayers for Pope Leo XIV, hoping he can foster peace where it is needed.

"We are praying for peace in the world," said Alice Smyth, Iona Preparatory's director of campus ministry. "You can never get enough peace and praying together for families, for unity and for the end of our school year."

The procession circled the school's track before attendees gathered on the field holding candles.