The Festival of Families has made several major additions to its lineup for its concert on the Ben Franklin Parkway to be attended by Pope Francis on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Singer Mark Wahlberg turned actor-and-producer who recently starred in the movie "Ted 2," will host the event. In addition, 18-time Grammy winner Aretha Franklin and the band The Fray were also added to the lineup along with Marie Miller, finalist in the 2014 Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star Competition.

The 44-year-old Wahlberg has credited his Catholic faith and a parish priest for his success after a rough upbringing in Boston

Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
loading...

"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.

Nearly one million people are expected to watch Pope Francis leads a parade from Eakins Oval, up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, around City Hall and back down the Parkway to Eakins Oval before the concert begins. Ten thousand free tickets for the event were distributed via the World Meeting of Friends website and gone in two minutes.

The concert will be aired on 40 Jumbrotron screens throughout Philadelphia.

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM