Pope Benedict XVI addressed the United Nations General Assembly Friday morning after landing at JFK airport for the New York leg of his trip to the United States.

The pontiff praised the work of the U.N. and stressed the importance of human rights around the world.

The pope planned to visit a Park East synagogue later in the day - the first time a pope has visited an American synagogue. Plans also include a prayer service at the Church of St. Joseph in Manhattan.

On Saturday, Pope Benedict is scheduled to celebrate Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral and visit St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers for a youth rally. The pope will wrap up his trip on Sunday with a visit to Ground Zero and Mass at Yankee Stadium.