Photo Flash: Tenor Anthony Kearns Sings at Pre-Mass Concert for Pope Francis

Below, check out new photos from world-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns' performance to honor Pope Francis I during his historic 2015 U.S. trip! Click here to view the video!

The video features highlights of three songs performed by Mr. Kearns, a headliner of the pre-Mass Concert for Pope Francis in Philadelphia, PA during the 2015 World Meeting of Families. Kearns, accompanied by Mr. David George of Louisville, KY, sings "Shelter Me," "You Raise Me Up," and "How Great Thou Art."

During an interview on "CNN Tonight" with host Don Lemon, Kearns said, "I feel very privileged to be a part of such an historic event in honor of His Holiness' visit to the United States."

Kirsten Fedewa, Mr. Kearns' publicist added: "Anthony chose three powerful songs to introduce Pope Francis' final Mass in America. We're proud to make this video available, to inspire and serve as a remembrance of Pope Francis' momentous trip to the United States. "

The 2015 World Meeting of Families drew a record crowd of over a million people and featured an impressive line-up of speakers and performers, including actor Mark Wahlberg, legendary singer Aretha Franklin, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale, soprano Margaret Keys, and tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Said Kearns: "I've had the good fortune of performing for three U.S. presidents and leaders of several other countries but this was especially moving for me, as a Catholic and as a singer."

Mr. Kearns first took the American audience by storm as a member of the famous trio, The Irish Tenors, with whom he has over 10 best-selling CDs and five television specials. He also has several television specials to his credit as a solo artist - including the 2014 National Memorial Day Concert with the National Symphony Orchestra. His performance schedule includes operas and symphonies in the coming year, including performing with the Grand Rapids [Michigan] Symphony in March.

Earlier this year, Mr. Kearns was honored as a featured artist at the launch of the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising in New York City. Participants included Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland Charlie Flanagan, Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Anne Anderson, Irish Consul General Barbara Jones, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (NY), and actor Liam Neeson, who narrated the PBS-RTE special on the Irish Easter Rising.

Kearns will also commemorate the anniversary with a concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on May 23, 2016. https://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/event/XQIRM.

Kearns closed 2015 as a featured entertainer in the Disney Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in Chicago, broadcasted by ABC and airing in 90% of U.S. television markets. http://prn.to/1Qpi25Y. He also performed at the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Irish Ambassador's Residence in Washington, D.C. hosted by Ambassador Anderson. Kearns' performance and an interview with broadcaster Barbara Harrison was aired on NBC's annual "Christmas and Embassies" program in five U.S. television markets.http://bit.ly/1LegDxl

"2015 was a remarkable year for me," says Mr. Kearns, "and I'm happy to say that 2016 is off to a great start. I view it as a great privilege when my voice can be used to inspire others at any time, and especially on historic and significant occasions to commemorate Irish and American history. I want especially to thank those who work so hard to honor our shared traditions - and those who defend freedom around the world so that we can celebrate these landmark events."

Photo credit: Kirsten Fedewa & Associates, L.L.C.

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