Patti Smith meets Pope Leo XIV in private Vatican audience

On 31 July, American singer‑poet Patti Smith attended a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. The meeting lasted about 40 minutes and was arranged by Rev. Antonio Spadaro, the Vatican’s under‑secretary for Culture and Education, who has long been a friend of the artist. Both Smith and the pontiff were born in Chicago, and their conversation was described by Spadaro as resembling a reunion of old friends, touching on music, literature, dreams and hopes for a divided world.

Smith, 79, is a seminal figure of American rock and poetry. Though not Catholic, she has previously met Pope Francis in 2013, sang for him in 2014, and wrote a tribute poem after his death in 2025. The Vatican released video footage of the encounter, highlighting the shared emphasis on peace and culture.

The audience underscores the ongoing cultural dialogue between the Vatican and prominent artists, with Smith’s presence reflecting her continued engagement with spiritual and humanitarian themes.