His Holiness Pope Leo XIV: ‘Music is like a bridge that leads us to God’

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Concert with the Poor in the Vatican.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV joins the audience at the Vatican’s “Concert with the Poor” in the Paul VI Hall and expresses his pleasure to be able to partake in the joy of listening to music, which is “not a luxury for the few, but a divine gift accessible to everyone.”

By Linda Bordoni 

Saturday evening was special in the Vatican as His Holiness Pope Leo XIV welcomed artists, volunteers, and more than 3,000 guests of honor - vulnerable and marginalized men and women in need of different nationalities, languages, and religions - who filled the Paul VI Hall for the sixth “Concert with the Poor.”

Greeting participants and guests at the conclusion of the event organized 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 Monsignor Marco Frisina, and the Nova Opera Orchestra.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sat back throughout the concert smiling, clearly enjoying the music, clapping with enthusiasm at the conclusion of every song and even singing along with Michael Bublè before taking a few moments to express his pleasure for having been able to join an event “born from the heart of Pope Francis.”

He highlighted the universal gift of music, saying, “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 everyone, rich and poor.”

A special joy

“As I greet each one of you, I feel a special joy in welcoming you, brothers and sisters, for whom we have experienced this concert today: thank you for your presence!” he said as he welcomed the concert's intended audience, before thanking the organisers and contributors, including Cardinal Vicar Baldo Reina, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, and the various charitable organisations that, he noted, made the event possible. 

He also had special words of thanks for the performers: “Our gratitude naturally goes to those who have performed the music and songs with art and passion.” 

Music is like a bridge that leads us to God

Reflecting on the spiritual significance of music, the Pope said, “Music is like a bridge that leads us to God. It is capable of transmitting feelings, emotions, even the deepest stirrings of the soul, lifting them up and transforming them into an imaginary stairway connecting earth and heaven”…

This report was originally published on the Website of Vatican News. Please click here to read the full text.