Pope Leo: 'Music is like a bridge that leads us to God'

Source: Vatican Media, Shalom

Saturday evening was special in the Vatican as Pope Leo XIV welcomed artists, volunteers, and more than 3,000 guests of honour - vulnerable and marginalised men and women in need, of different nationalities, languages, and religions - who filled the Paul VI Hall for the sixth 'Concert with the Poor.' The event was organised by the Dicastery for the Service of Charity and in collaboration with the Diocese of Rome and a host of associations and groups that care for the poor.

This 2025 edition featured international artist Michael Bublè, together with his band, the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, conducted by Mgr Marco Frisina, and the Nova Opera Orchestra.

The Pope sat back throughout the concert smiling, clearly enjoying the music, clapping with enthusiasm at the conclusion of every song and even sang along with Michael Bublè.

At the end of the concert , the Pope told Michael Bublé: "your Italian is wonderful, thank you so much!"

Addressing everyone, in Italian, Pope Leo said:

"Dear brothers and sisters, peace be with you!

I was pleased to participate with you in the sixth edition of this concert, born - we can say - from the heart of Pope Francis .

This evening, as the melodies touched our hearts, we felt the inestimable value of music: not a luxury for the few, but a divine gift accessible to all, rich and poor. Therefore, as I extend my greeting to each of you, I feel a special joy in welcoming you, my brothers and sisters, for whom we have experienced this concert today: thank you all for your presence!

I thank Cardinal Vicar Baldo Reina, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski and the Dicastery for the Service of Charity , as well as the various charitable organizations that have committed themselves to collaborating in the realization of this event.

Our gratitude goes, of course, to those who performed the music and songs with such artistry and passion: the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, led by Maestro Monsignor Marco Frisina, along with the Nova Opera Orchestra. And we cannot forget the Nova Opera Foundation and all the partners who made this event possible. A truly special "thank you" goes to the artist Michael Bublé for his presence among us this evening, as well as to Mrs. Serena Autieri.

Dear friends, music is like a bridge that leads us to God. It is capable of conveying feelings, emotions, and the deepest stirrings of the soul, lifting them aloft, transforming them into an imaginary stairway connecting earth and heaven. Yes, music can elevate our souls! Not because it distracts us from our miseries, because it stuns us or makes us forget life's problems or difficult situations, but because it reminds us that we are more than just that: we are much more than our problems and our troubles; we are God's beloved children!

It's no coincidence that the feast of Christmas is so rich in traditional songs, in every language, every culture. As if this Mystery couldn't be celebrated without music, without hymns of praise. After all, the Gospel itself tells us that while Jesus was being born in the stable in Bethlehem, there was a great concert of angels in heaven! And who heard that concert? To whom did the angels appear? To the shepherds, who were keeping watch over their flock by night (see Luke 2:13-14).

Dearly beloved, in this season of Advent, let us prepare ourselves to meet the Lord who comes! Let us ensure that our hearts are not burdened, not caught up in selfish interests and material worries, but that they are alert, attentive to others, to those in need; that they are ready to listen to God's song of love, which is Jesus Christ. Yes, Jesus is God's song of love for humanity. Let us listen to this song! Let us learn it well, so that we too can sing it with our lives.

Thank you all! God bless you. Have a wonderful Advent journey and a Merry Christmas!"

Watch the concert on Shalom News: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wb7mh8clA8