Pope Leo XIV Hosts 'Canticle of Peace' on July 29
On July 29, an international choir comprising 164 children and young people from various crisis-affected regions gathered with Pope Leo XIV and renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli at Borgo Laudato si’, dedicating their time t…
On July 29, an international choir comprising 164 children and young people from various crisis-affected regions gathered with Pope Leo XIV and renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli at Borgo Laudato si’, dedicating their time to pray for peace. This event, titled "Canticle of Peace," utilized music as a universal language to foster messages of hope and reconciliation.
The gathering formed part of the celebrations marking 800 years since the death of St. Francis of Assisi. During the occasion, Pope Leo XIV led a moment of reflection and prayer, drawing inspiration from the text of the Canticle of the Creatures attributed to the Italian saint. The event aimed to highlight the significance of peace in a world often divided by conflict.
Accompanied by Andrea Bocelli and the ABF Voices of Choir, the children and young people represented diverse backgrounds, coming from regions such as the Holy Land, Uganda, Haiti, and Italy. The stories of these young singers are often marked by experiences of war and poverty; yet, their combined voices illustrated the transformative power of music as a means of dialogue and mutual understanding.
The time of prayer and music marked the conclusion of a 10-day event that connected choristers and educators. This initiative fostered connections through music, embodying the spirit of a global village. Cardinal Fabio Baggio, Director General of the Laudato Si’ Center for Higher Education, emphasized that the event reflects the mission of Borgo Laudato Si’, which aims to cultivate a culture of peace rooted in fraternity, care for creation, and respect for the dignity of each individual.
In a joint statement released on July 27, Andrea Bocelli noted that the "Canticle of Peace" event emerged from a shared desire to convey a simple yet universal message: peace is nurtured through dialogue, encounter, and attentive listening to one another. As a symbol of gratitude and cultural identity, each choir delegation presented Pope Leo XIV with a handmade gift representative of their country at the end of the prayer event.
