September 25, 2015

Madonna dedicates song to 'Popey-wopey' during Philly concert

By Christina LoBrutto
PhillyVoice Contributor

While performing at her "Rebel Heart" concert in Philadelphia Thursday night, Madonna gave a special shoutout to Pope Francis ahead of his visit, according to an Associated Press report on NBC10.

“Since Popey-wopey is on his way over here, I want to dedicate this song to him,'' the 57-year-old reportedly said before singing "La Vie en Rose."

She also suggested that the pope must be "stalking her," as she was recently in New York for a performance. Pope Francis will be in New York until Saturday morning before making his way to Philadelphia.

"Either he's a copycat or he's secretly in love with me," she joked.

It was just one of many comments about Francis at a concert that featured lots of religious imagery, including female performers wearing nuns' habits – and little else – pole dancing on crosses.

Madonna praised the pontiff for being "open-minded." The singer has a controversial history with the Vatican.

"I've been excommunicated from the Catholic Church three times," she joked. "It shows the Vatican really cares."