Shakira performed during the opening ceremony at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Friday, before Pope Francis delivered a powerful speech.
The 38-year-old wowed the crowd – which included Bond star Daniel Craig –with a moving rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine.
Shakira looked stunning as she belted out the lyrics on stage in a flowing white dress, giving a warm smile to the audience after finishing the song.
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A beautiful woman with a beautiful voice: Shakira performed during the opening ceremony at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Friday, before Pope Francis delivered a powerful speech
The star, who is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, had arrived at the United Nations building with seven-month-old son Sasha in her arms.
She also has two-year-old Milan with her partner Gerard Pique.
Like Shakira, the Pope hails from South America. She was born in Colombia, while he is from Argentina.
Moving: The singer wowed the crowd in New York City with her rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine
Happy to be here: Shakira gave a warm smile to the large audience after finishing the song
Pope Francis’s speech came in the middle of his six-day, three-city tour of the US.
The Pope called on world leaders to combat climate change, end nuclear programs and elevate the poor.
His speech marked the largest gathering of dignitaries in the UN’s 70-year history and attendees included Cuban President Raul Castro, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.
Speaking in the packed General Assembly hall, Pope Francis stated that ‘a right of the environment’ exists.
Angelic: The 38-year-old looked stunning as she belted out the lyrics on stage in a flowing white dress
Charitable star: Shakira, who like the Pope hails from South America, is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
He said the universe is the result of a ‘loving decision by the creator, who permits man respectfully to use creation for the good of his fellow men and for the glory of the creator: He is not authorized to abuse it, much less destroy it.’
Echoing his encyclical’s key message, he said a ‘selfish and boundless thirst for power and material prosperity leads both to the misuse of available natural resources and to the exclusion of the weak and disadvantaged.’
The Pope called for immediate access for the world’s poor to adequate food, water and housing, as well as religious freedom.
He drew applause when he called for a reform of the U.N. system and international financial agencies to give poor countries a greater say.
My baby: The star was dressed casually as she arrived at the United Nations building with seven-month-old son Sasha in her arms
Listening intently: Bond star Daniel Craig was among the crowd there to see Pope Francis’s speech
Powerful speech: The Pope called on world leaders to combat climate change, end nuclear programs and elevate the poor
Later in the day, Pope Francis honoured the 3,000 9/11 victims as he gave a moving speech in the foundations of the former Twin Towers.
Meanwhile Kerry Washington – who plays Olivia Pope on Scandal – rushed out to see the Pope’s motorcade go by while appearing on a red carpet.
She told Extra it was an ‘amazing’ experience, adding: ‘He’s my celebrity crush, Pope Francis, because he is so generous and such a revolutionary. He is so compassionate.
‘I’m not even Catholic but I just think what he stands for in carrying the message of God not being about judgment but about service is really extraordinary.’
Big event: His speech marked the largest gathering of dignitaries in the UN’s 70-year history and attendees
An honour: Celebrity chef Sandra Lee, the partner of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, met the Pope at the 9/11 memorial, where he gave an emotional speech honouring the 3,000 victims
