The legendary singer will perform for the pope in Philadelphia on September 26 at the Festival of Families, which will also feature appearances from Andrea Bocelli, Mark Wahlberg and more.
- September 15, 2015
AceShowbiz -
Aretha Franklin will perform for Pope Francis when he visits the U.S. later this month. As announced on Monday, September 14, the legendary soul singer is scheduled to sing for the pope at the Festival of Families in Philadelphia on September 26.
"It is indeed a blessing to sing in the presence of His Holiness and to the attendees of the Festival of Families in the City of Brotherly Love," the 73-year-old singer commented on her upcoming gig in a statement. "I look forward to this event. Be blessed!"
Franklin is not the only star slated to appear at the festival. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, pop/rock band The Fray, Colombian singer/songwriter Juanes and comedian Jim Gaffigan will also perform at the event while Mark Wahlberg is hosting.
"As a Catholic, I credit much of my success to my faith," Wahlberg shared. "It is an honor to be part of welcoming Pope Francis to Philadelphia and I am humbled to join this celebration."
In addition to attending the festival, Pope Francis is due to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress in Washington and the United Nations in New York during what will be his first visit to the U.S. He's also scheduled to have a meeting with President Obama.
