The Pope attends the VI Concert with the Poor, held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in the Paul VI Hall, and highlights the value of music as a “divine gift” that elevates the soul.

Below we publish the greeting that the Holy Father addressed to those present:

***

Michael Bublé, your Italian is wonderful, thank you so much!

Dear brothers and sisters, peace be with you!

I have had the pleasure of participating with you in the sixth edition of this concert, born, we could say, from the heart of Pope Francis.

Tonight, as the melodies touched our souls, we felt the immeasurable value of music: it is not a luxury for the few, but a divine gift accessible to all, rich and poor. Therefore, as I address each of you, I feel a special joy in welcoming you, brothers and sisters, for whom we have shared this concert today: thank you all for your presence!

I give thanks to Cardinal Vicar Baldo Reina, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski and the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, as well as to the various charitable organizations that have committed to collaborating in the realization of this event.

Our gratitude naturally goes to those who have performed the music and songs with such artistry and passion: the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, directed by Maestro Monsignor Marco Frisina, together with the Nova Opera Orchestra. And we cannot forget the Nova Opera Foundation and all the partners who made this event possible. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the artist Michael Bublé for his presence with us tonight, as well as to Ms. Serena Autieri.

Dear friends, music is like a bridge that leads us to God. It is capable of transmitting feelings, emotions, even the deepest movements of the soul, elevating them and transforming them into an ideal ladder that connects earth and heaven. Yes, music can lift our souls! Not because it distracts us from our miseries, because it overwhelms us or makes us forget the problems or difficult situations of life, but because it reminds us that we are not just that: we are so much more than our problems and our sorrows; we are beloved children of God!

It is no coincidence that the Christmas celebration is so full of traditional songs, in every language, in every culture. As if this Mystery could not be celebrated without music, without hymns of praise. Moreover, the Gospel itself tells us that while Jesus was being born in the stable in Bethlehem, there was a great concert of angels in the sky! And who heard that concert? To whom did the angels appear? To the shepherds, who were keeping watch at night to care for their flock (cf. Lk 2:13-14).

Dear brothers and sisters, in this Advent season, let us prepare ourselves for the encounter with the Lord who is coming. Let us not let our hearts grow heavy, nor be preoccupied with selfish interests and material concerns, but rather let them be awake, attentive to others, to those in need; let them be ready to hear 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 us learn it well, so that we too may sing it with our lives.

Thank you all! God bless you. Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!