Pope Leo XIII: "The Lord continues to speak to us through the poor."

Pope Leo XIV met on Friday with the artists and organisers of the sixth VaticanConcert with the Poor, calling the initiative begun under Pope Francis a “beautiful tradition” as the Church prepares for Christmas.

He recalled Saint Paul’s words about Christ “who for your sake became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich,” noting that the Incarnation is “the revelation of the love that God the Father has for each of us.” The Pope also cited Benedict XVI’s Deus Caritas Est : “This divine activity now takes on dramatic form when, in Jesus Christ, it is God himself who goes in search of the ‘stray sheep’, a suffering and lost humanity.”

Recognise Christ in those most in need

Pope Leo stressed that the concert is not merely a musical event or an act of philanthropy. Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me”—he added from his own Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te: “This is not a matter of mere human kindness but a revelation… In the poor, he continues to speak to us.”

Human dignity, he said, does not depend on possessions: “We are not our goods or our things… but rather children loved by God.” For this reason, the concert gives priority to “the most fragile brothers and sisters.”

Music as a path to God

Reflecting on music, Pope Leo recalled that liturgical song “is meant to elevate the soul,” and cited Saint Augustine: “You must sing to Him… sing well, brothers.” And lightheartedly, he said to the artists: “Please, sing well tomorrow!” Music, he added, can be “a form of love… avia pulchritudinisthat leads to God.”

The Pope thanked Cardinal Vicar Baldo Reina, Monsignor Marco Frisina, the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, the Orchestra, the Nova Opera Foundation, Serena Autieri, Canadian artist Michael Bublé and his band, and all singers, musicians and partners supporting the event.