U2 guitarist The Edge has made history and become the first rock star to play the Sistine Chapel.

The Irish musician whose real name is David Evans, took to the stage at the unusual concert venue to sing four songs on Saturday as more than 200 doctors, researchers and philanthropists gathered for a conference on regenerative medicine at the Vatican.

Describing the venue as "the most beautiful parish hall in the world" The Edge told the audience he was shocked to have been asked to play in the famous chapel especially as he is not known for his singing.

He said: "When they asked me if I wanted to become the first contemporary artist to play in the Sistine Chapel, I didn't know what to say because usually there's this other guy who sings.

"So it took me at least, well, 30 seconds to agree to it."

During the performance the guitarist was backed by a choir of seven Irish teenagers as he played acoustic guitar and sang a cover of Leonard Cohen's "If it be your will", as well as versions of U2's "Yahweh", "Ordinary love" and "Walk on".

The Edge, whose father died last month from cancer and whose daughter overcame leukemia, was chosen to perform at the conference as he is on the board of foundations working for cancer prevention.