NEW YORK — The stars are coming out for the papal visit.
Singers including Jennifer Hudson, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin and Andrea Bocelli are scheduled to perform at papal events in New York City and Philadelphia. Pope Francis’ inaugural U.S. visit includes those cities, as well as Washington, D.C.
Today’s concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City, before Pope Francis celebrates Mass there in the evening, was to include Hudson and Estefan, as well as Harry Connick, Jr. and Martin Sheen. The program was being called “A Journey in Faith” and was expected to include prayer.
In Philadelphia, Franklin is set to be among those performing for the pope tonight during an outdoor festival. The 72-year-old Franklin is part of the lineup for the Festival of Families, the closing ceremony for the triennial World Meeting of Families conference. The Fray, Sister Sledge, Bocelli, Juanes and The Philadelphia Orchestra were also on the list.
The next day, Francis will celebrate Mass before an expected crowd of more than 1 million people.
