The Colombian rocker Juanes will perform for Pope Francis when the pontiff travels to Philadelphia for a major Catholic congress, organizers announced Tuesday.

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who is a frequent presence at the Vatican, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, which is led by prominent Canadian conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin, will also play at the September 26 "Festival of Families."

Francis will be paying his first trip as pope to the United States to take part in the World Meeting of Families, a gathering led by the Roman Catholic Church every three years.

"The most important mission we have in this journey of life is to learn to love, what better way than through the family," Juanes said in a statement.

"I am profoundly honored by the invitation to sing for Pope Francis," he said.

Juanes has emerged as a leading star on the Latin rock scene since going solo in 2000. He has won 20 Latin Grammys and two Grammys.

He is also known for his activism, especially his campaign against landmines.

Francis on his trip will address the United Nations and become the first pontiff to address the US Congress.

He will also meet US President Barack Obama, who has voiced admiration for Francis' efforts against poverty, conflict and climate change.
Source: AFP