Australian worship leader Darlene Zschech will join renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli at an ecumenical prayer and worship event for the persecuted church hosted by Pope Francis at the Vatican today.
'Voices in Prayer' will draw thousands of worshippers to St Peter's Square this evening. Other musicians involved in the event include American worship leader Don Moen and Israeli singer-songwriter Noa (Anchinoam Nini).
Zschech, who co-leads Hope Unlimited Church in New South Wales, described the event on Facebook as "a celebration of unity and peace," adding: "Amazing days for the Body of Christ."
"This ecumenical event brings Protestants, Catholics, and Jews together as we pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being martyred and persecuted all over the world today," said Moen in a statement.
"Although there are many denominational differences throughout the church worldwide, I have seen firsthand how coming together in worship and prayer promotes unity. Join me as we pray for those who are being jailed, beaten, and killed for professing their belief in Jesus Christ."
It has been organised by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement. The movement's president, Salvatore Martinez, said: "We want to give a voice to those who have lost the right to live, to have a home with their families and live with their loved ones. The right to confess a faith means the capacity to confess it freely."
Noa said on her Facebook page that she was proud to be performing in front of the Pontiff, saying: "Pope Francis, with his humility and humanity, is a true role model for all religious leaders."
Bocelli, who is a devout Catholic, is also due to perform in front of the Pope on his visit to the US in September.
