Gloria Estefan joins star-studded list of performers for Pope Francis's visit

Honoree Gloria Estefan on April 26, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (2014 Getty Images)

Gloria Estefan has added her name to the growing list of stars coming out for the papal visit this month.

The Cuban-American singer has joined the likes of Juanes, Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson, Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli and the rock band The Fray, all of whom will be performing at papal events in New York City and Philadelphia during Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States from Sept. 22 to Sept. 27.

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

Officials with the Archdiocese of New York announced acts for an afternoon concert at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 25, before Francis celebrates Mass there in the evening. Along with Estefan and Hudson, performers scheduled to appear include Harry Connick, Jr., Norm Lewis, and Martin Sheen. The program is called "A Journey in Faith," and it is 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.

In Philadelphia, organizers announced that the "Queen of Soul" would be among those performing for him during an outdoor festival on the next-to-last night of his U.S. trip.

The 72-year-old Franklin is part of the lineup for the Sept. 26 Festival of Families, the closing ceremony for the triennial World Meeting of Families conference. Actor Mark Wahlberg will host, and comedian Jim Gaffigan will perform.

The Fray, Sister Sledge, Bocelli, Juanes and the Philadelphia Orchestra were also on the Festival of Families roster. The following day Francis will celebrate Mass before an expected crowd of more than a million people.

Based on reporting by the Associated Press.

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