Aretha Franklin singing, Mark Wahlberg hosting papal event

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 September 22 and ends September 27 following the Philadelphia Mass.

iRadioPhilly will carry LIVE BROADCASTS from the World Meeting of Families Events, Festival and the Papal Visit.

Franklin is no stranger to performing for highly regarded public officials including President Barack Obama for whom she sang “My Country Tis of Thee” during the 2009 inaugural ceremony.

Jennifer Hudson and Gloria Estefan are scheduled to appear, along with Harry Connick Jr, Norm Lewis and Martin Sheen. The program was being called “A Journey in Faith” and was also expected to include prayers.

Tickets for the Mass were distributed through the archdiocese’s parishes, and security is expected to be tight, with attendees advised to arrive early.

“Undoubtedly, their presence – with Andrea Bocelli, Juanes and The Philadelphia Orchestra – will make this evening truly unforgettable for all who attend”, said Donna Crilley Farrell, executive director of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 in a statement.

According to a release, Franklin, the band The Fray, and comedian Jim Gaffigan will welcome the pope and his congregation while Mark Wahlberg hosts the event.

Wahlberg, a devout Catholic, embraced the church after deciding to turn his life around during a short jail term for racially motivated attacks as a teenager in Boston.

One reporter requested whether or not there was any probability Pope Francis might take the subway with New Yorkers.

The pontiff will also be visiting Washington, D.C., however no celebrity performances have been announced.