Michigan’s Aretha Franklin Added To Pope’s Philadelphia Visit

Aretha Franklin will sing for Pope Francis at his Festival of Families, taking place September 26th in Philadelphia.

“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 Queen of Soul said in a statement. "I look forward to this event. Be blessed!"

Other performers on the bill include Andrea Bocelli, The Fray,Colombian singer Juanes and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Comedian Jim Gaffigan and Mark Wahlberg are on board to host.

Also performing is Jackie Evancho, the young soprano from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who was runner-up on the fifth season of "America's Got Talent" and had "Awakening," her third studio album, debut at #1 on Billboard's classical charts in July 2014.

Officials also announced performers for an afternoon concert at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 25, before Pope Francis celebrates Mass there in the evening. Along with Jennifer Hudson and Gloria Estefan, performers scheduled to appear include Harry Connick, Jr., Norm Lewis, and Martin Sheen. The program was being called "A Journey in Faith" and was also expected to include prayers.

Pope Francis is also due to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress in Washington and the United Nations in New York during his first visit to the United States, which begins on Sept. 22 and ends Sept. 27 following the Philadelphia Mass.