The Pope applauded and seemed pleased to sing the tune. A particularly poignant moment was the rendition of the “Ave Maria” requested by Leone himself from the artist, which was performed in Latin with a choral and orchestral arrangement created for the Paul VI Hall.
“Dear brothers and sisters, peace be with you! I was pleased to participate with you in the sixth edition of this concert, born—we might say—from the heart of Pope Francis. This evening, as the melodies touched our souls, we felt the inestimable value of music: not a luxury for the few, but a divine gift accessible to all, rich and poor, learned and simple.” The Pope, at the end of the concert with the poor in the Vatican, addressed the audience.
“As I greet everyone,” said Leone, “I feel a special joy in welcoming you, my brothers and sisters, for whom we have experienced this concert today: thank you for your presence!” The Pontiff thanked the orchestra, then extended a special “thank you” to “the artist Michael Bublé for his presence among us this evening, as well as to Mrs. Serena Autieri.”
“Dear friends,” he continued, “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 aloft, transforming them into an ideal 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 the problems and difficult situations of life, but because it reminds us that we are not just that: we are much more than our problems and our troubles; we are God’s beloved children!”
The Pontiff then dedicated a reflection to Christmas : “It is no coincidence that the feast of Christmas is so rich in traditional songs, in every language, in every culture. As if this Mystery could not 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 at night to guard their flock. Dearest ones, in this time of Advent, let us prepare ourselves for the encounter with the Lord who comes! Let us ensure that our hearts are not weighed down, are not completely taken up by selfish interests and material worries, but that they are awake, 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’s learn it well, so we can sing it too, with our lives. Thank you all! God bless you. Have a good Advent journey and a Merry Christmas!
