Pope Francis stressed the importance of peace and hope in his address to the promoters and artists of the 2024 Christmas Concert, who are performing today on the stage of the “Auditorium della Conciliazione”. The event took place this morning in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace, where the Pontiff received about two hundred participants.
A Meeting for Peace and Hope
In his message, Pope Francis underlined the fundamental role of music in uniting hearts and fostering reconciliation. He invited artists to become “angels of peace” and to use their talent to promote a culture of fraternity. According to the Pontiff, music has the power to transcend barriers and cultivate a spirit of communion among people.
An Event with a Solidarity Purpose
The 2024 Christmas Concert, organized by the Gravissimum Educationis Foundation and Don Bosco Missions, aims to raise funds for educational and social projects run by Salesian missionaries. These projects seek to benefit young people around the world, providing opportunities and hope.
Hope as a guiding thread
The Pope highlighted the relevance of hope as the central theme of the concert, in line with the Church’s journey towards the Jubilee 2025, whose motto is “Pilgrims of hope.” He noted that hope is a divine gift, nourished by faith and charity, and encouraged artists to translate it into concrete actions of love and transformation.
Music: Instrument of Peace
The power of music to unite people and foster peace was another of the central points of the Pope’s speech. He called on artists to use their creativity to promote reconciliation and fraternity, essential values in today’s world.
Intergenerational Collaboration
The Pope also highlighted the participation of young artists in the Christmas Concert as a symbol of collaboration between generations. This gesture, according to him, is a model to follow in building a more just and fraternal world.
A Call to Talent and Solidarity
In his final words, the Holy Father encouraged the artists to put their creativity and passion at the service of justice and fraternity. “Friends, the world and the Church need your talent, your creativity, and your commitment to justice and fraternity,” he said. He also asked them to pray for him, wishing them a successful concert and a happy Christmas.
The Christmas Concert: More than Music
The Christmas Concert is not only a musical celebration, but also a platform to reflect on peace, hope and the power of art to generate social change. It is an expression of how art can serve universal values and contribute to building a better world.
