by Donald Wood
Last updated: 5:00 PM ET, Tue September 15, 2015
Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images
When Pope Francis visits Philadelphia on Sept. 26, he will be serenaded by one of the greatest singers in American music history, Aretha Franklin.
Pope Francis will be visiting the City of Brotherly Love later this month to celebrate the Festival of Families, an international celebration of family, community and faith. Helping usher in the event will be a cavalcade of celebrities and singers joining together for the festival, including Franklin.
Dubbed The Queen of Soul, Franklin has won 18 Grammy Awards during her illustrious career and has sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Now, she will be singing to the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.
Franklin released a statement about the concert event, via Elysa Gardner of USA Today:
"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. I look forward to this event. Be blessed!"
The 2015 edition of the Festival of Families will be hosted by actor Mark Wahlberg, and it will feature performances from Andrea Bocelli, The Fray, Jim Gaffigan, Juanes, Marie Miller and more, as well as pieces performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra.
For all of the vital information on the Pope's visit to Philadelphia and how to attend the historic festival, check out the Festival of Families' official website.
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