American singer Patti Smith to play Vatican Christmas show

Singer Patti Smith will play the annual Vatican Christmas concert, Concerto di Natale.

DJ Bob Sinclar and the nun who won 'The Voice of Italy', Sister Cristina Scuccia, will also perform, reported Rolling Stone. It is thought that Pope Francis himself invited Smith, 67, to perform at the event.

The Concerto di Natale has taken place in Rome since 1993, and will take place this year on December 13. Smith is also playing two New York dates at the end of the year, at the Webster Hall on December 29 and 30. She will then carry out a US West Coast tour in January.

The Concerto di Natale will air on Italian television on Christmas Evening.