Posting on Instagram on Sunday afternoon, the Pop Idol winner announced that she met and sang for Pope Leo last month. 

She wrote: “I’m delighted to finally share my big news with you all! Last month I had the honour of performing for Pope Leo in Rome at the Laudato Si Movement conference. 

“I sang a beautiful new hymn called Because written by the Rev John Bell, as it has been gifted to SCIAF to celebrate their 60th Anniversary.”

McManus went on to say that her visit to Rome had been filmed by Solus Productions and will be available to view at Easter on BBC Scotland and BBC Two. 

She noted: “You can also purchase/download/stream the new hymn Because in the next few weeks with details of the release date being announced shortly.”

Speaking to the Daily Record, McManus added: “Singing with Robbie [Williams] at Murrayfield this summer was electric, but singing on stage with the Pope was something else altogether.

“It was so emotional. I wasn’t nervous at all when I got on stage with Robbie.

“But I was so nervous with the Pope because right up until the last minute I was still thinking it wasn’t going to happen.

“My heart was racing out my chest and I had to really work to keep my breathing under control.”

McManus recorded Because in August to mark the 50th anniversary of the Scottish Catholic International Aid Foundation. 

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At the time, she said: “I grew up with SCIAF – at school, in church and at home – and fondly remember the WEE BOX every Lent. 

“It’s a charity with humble roots, but an incredible reach. 

“Church is where I started singing, so being asked to serve as lead vocalist on Because for this special anniversary just felt right.”