Pope Leo XIV Leads Peace Concert with Andrea Bocelli at Vatican

On July 29, Pope Leo XIV attended the "Canticle of Peace" concert in the Borgo Laudato Si' gardens at Castel Gandolfo. Andrea Bocelli conducted a choir of 164 children from the Holy Land, Uganda and Italy, performing pieces such as "Amazing Grace" and the Latin hymn "Panis Angelicus." The Pope reflected on how music’s beauty can lead people to God and praised the young singers, noting that the event highlighted the joy of shared faith.

During the evening the Pope gave brief interviews to NBC Nightly News and Noticias Telemundo. He spoke about his American heritage, expressing mutual affection with the United States and hinting at a possible future visit to America. He also praised the values he associates with the U.S., such as freedom and opportunity. Children from Haiti were unable to travel to the concert because of ongoing instability in their country.