Susan Boyle says singing in front of Pope is dream come true

Singing sensation Susan Boyle says it is “her greatest dream come true” to be able to sing in front of the Pope.

Scottish singer Boyle, who shot to international superstardom after her stint on Britain’s Got Talent last year, said she was “honoured and humbled” by the opportunity to sing in front of Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to Britain next month.

"To be able to sing for the Pope is a great honour and something I've always dreamed of - it's indescribable. I think the 16th of September will stand out in my memory as something I've always wanted to do, I've always wanted to sing for his Holiness and I can't really put into words my happiness, that this wish has come true at last," she said.

The Pope will make his first official state visit to Britain from September 16 to 19.

Boyle will perform two times in the pre-Mass programme at Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park on the first day of the Pope’s visit.

She will then sing with an 800-strong choir during the open air Mass to be celebrated in the park by the Pope.

Boyle, a Catholic, will perform the hymn “How Great Thou Art” as well as her signature song “I Dreamed a Dream” before the Mass begins at 1715 GMT.

She will then sing a farewell song to the Pope as he departs from the park to Glasgow Airport, where he will fly to London for the next day of his visit.

She said the Pope’s visit was a “very big event” for Scottish Catholics.

“My own faith is the backbone of my life, I pray and say the rosary each day and am very close to my religion,” she said.

“I am humbled and honoured by this invitation and I hope I can do my best."

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland said: "I am delighted that Susan will be able to perform for the Pope, I think it is wonderful that she will have this once in a lifetime opportunity and as her Bishop I am hugely proud of her."