Mark Wahlberg to host festival for Pope Francis in Philadelphia
Redemption?
Mark Wahlberg, whose career somehow landed him a starring role as a grown man smitten with his weed-obsessed animated teddy bear, is fittingly hosting a festival for Pope Francis.
In honor of the papal visit, the World Meeting of Families announced Monday that Wahlberg will be a guest at Festival of Families in Philadelphia on September 26, an international commemoration of faith. Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, pop-rock band The Fray, and comedian Jim Gaffigan are the scheduled performers. Pope Francis is expected to attend and speak at the festival.
“As a Catholic, I credit much of my success to my faith,’’ Wahlberg said in a release. “It is an honor to be a part of welcoming Pope Francis to Philadelphia and I am humbled to join this celebration.’’
Though he’s credited his Boston parish preist for guidance in overcoming his criminal past, he’s still an unlikely selection as host for that very reason. But, then again, Wahlberg applied for a pardon last year in a Boston assault case from the 1980s. And Pope Francis is a rather progressive leader of the church.
But still. Mark Wahlberg’s redemption tour prevails. We all know it worked for Justin Bieber.
Photos of Boston’s biggest bro-ments:
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