Derry soprano sings to millions.... and the Pope

This is Derry soprano Margaret Keys singing at a concert held for Pope Francis in America yesterday.

The event was held at Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia where the Pontiff celebrated an open air Mass in front of one million people, his last engagement on his first visit to the US.

Margaret said she was “delighted” and “honoured” to have been asked to perform at the concert which included stars such as Aretha Franklin and Andrea Bocelli and was broadcast across the world.

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan said there was “great pride” in her home town at her performance at the special concert.

Mr Durkan said: “It is well-deserved recognition of her special talent and warm spirit.”

The singer is the daughter of the late SDLP councillor Bill Keys, who passed away last year. Mr Durkan added: “She knows how proud her father would have been on this signal occasion, but she should also know that pride will not just be reflected in her own family but across the city among all who admire her gift and cherish his memory.”