Pope Leo XIV Hosts Interfaith Peace Concert with 164 Children in Castel Gandolfo
Beneath the shade of ancient oaks in Castel Gandolfo’s former papal gardens, Pope Leo XIV convened a prayer meeting and concert that united children from across continents in a shared song of hope.
On Wednesday, July 29, the 55‑hectare Borgo Laudato Sì—once a private retreat of the papal summer residence—played host to an interfaith choir of 164 youngsters from Israel, Palestine, Italy and Uganda. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who has performed at several Vatican events, joined the children in the “Canticle for Peace,” a program that celebrated the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi’s death.
The choir’s repertoire blended contemporary pieces and timeless hymns. Highlights included “Moon in Kiev,” a song penned by Italian poet Gianni Rodari, and the classic “Amazing Grace.” Bocelli’s presence added a resonant layer to the performance, reinforcing the event’s message of unity.
Pope Leo XIV described the assembly as “an ideal symbol of harmony and cooperation.” He spoke directly to the children—many of whom come from war‑affected regions—about the unifying power of music. The pope said that music opens a new horizon and invites listeners to encounter God, whom he referred to as “the one who is beauty itself.” He also prayed for the children, their families, and their countries, expressing hope that peace may reign both at home and in places that continue to suffer violence.
The gardens of Borgo Laudato Sì, a 55‑hectare expanse that Pope Francis transformed into a living example of the Church’s teachings on care for creation, provide the backdrop for this event. The location sits 25 km southeast of Rome, within the broader context of heightened conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine.
In light of Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities and the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Pope Leo XIV’s remarks on the power of music to bring people together carried particular resonance.
The “Canticle for Peace” was part of a broader initiative by Pope Leo XIV to promote peace through prayer and music. The event comprised a collective prayer followed by a musical performance that brought together children from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
In summary, Pope Leo XIV’s July 29 concert in Castel Gandolfo brought together 164 children, Andrea Bocelli, and an international choir to celebrate the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi’s death and to pray for peace amid ongoing global conflicts. The event was sponsored by the Laudato Sì High Formation Center and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation and highlighted the Vatican’s continued emphasis on interfaith dialogue and environmental stewardship.
