Both civilians and off-duty police officers have been restricted from attending events with Pope Francis in New York City with their firearms.

Newsweek published a memo issued by the police chief warning that off-duty NYPD officers who bring guns with them will be expelled from any papal events

"Various city, state and federal agencies are involved in ensuring a safe and secure visit for his Holiness, as well as for members of the general public who plan to attend the various events associated with his visit," the order reads.

"Therefore, all members of the service who plan to attend a papal event while off-duty are hereby advised that firearms will not be permitted." If a police officer brings a fiream to an event, they will not be allowed in.

Pope Francis is an outspoken opponent of guns and has condemned both gun manufactures and gun owners. Still, Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolman Benevolence Association, criticized the gun ban as a "foolish" measure.

"The message ordering New York City Police Officers to leave their weapons at home if they are off-duty and attending a Papal event is dangerous. Our officers are fully trained professionals who are on-duty around the clock and would represent additional response resources in the event of an emergency," PBA president Patrick Lynch said in a statement. "Limiting their ability to intervene is foolish and flies in the face of common sense and public safety. It reduces the city's ability to protect his Holiness, it doesn't enhance it."

The pontiff landed at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, around 5 p.m. Thursday and was whisked away to hold an Evening Prayer service at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

During his stay in the Big Apple, he will address the General Assembly at the United Nations at 8:30 a.m. Friday morning. He will also conduct an interfaith service at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center at 11:30 a.m. and meet with people who lost loved ones in 9/11, survivors and first responders.

Later on, he will visit the Lady Queen of Angels School Catholic school in East Harlem at 4 p.m. before celebrating Mass at Madison Square Garden, reports The New York Times.

Pope Francis is scheduled to leave NYC Saturday morning and arrive in Philadelphia at 9:30 a.m.