By Francesca Merlo
“There is no Christmas without song.”
With these words, Pope Leo XIV concluded the Christmas Concert of the Pontifical Sistine Chapel Choir, held on the evening of Jan 3, beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes.
The language of music
Greeting all those present, the Pope began by thanking the Choir for having led listeners into “the mystery of Christmas through the language of music and song – a language capable of speaking not only to the mind, but also to the heart.”
Music, he explained, is not an ornament added to the feast of Christmas, but part of its very substance. “Everywhere in the world, in every language and nation, the Event of Bethlehem is celebrated with music and singing,” he said. “And it could not be otherwise, since the Gospel itself tells us that when the Virgin Mary gave birth to the Saviour, the angels in heaven sang: ‘Glory to God and peace on earth’.”
Recalling that first “Christmas concert,” Pope Leo turned to the image of the shepherds of Bethlehem, “the spectators and witnesses” of that night, who returned glorifying and praising God. “And I like to imagine,” he added, “that they did so also by singing, and perhaps by playing some simple flutes.”
Yet, the Pope continued, there was another place where heavenly music resounded – a place far more intimate. “A silent, recollected, most sensitive place: the heart of Mary.” From her, he said, the Church learns to listen in silence, so as to “faithfully follow the part that the Lord entrusts to each of us in the score of life.”
This musical imagery reflects Pope Leo’s love for music in prayer, a devotion made evident to all who have heard him sing his prayers. Saturday evening was no exception, when the Pope invited all those present to join him in singing the Our Father in Latin – which they did!
The Pope expressed his gratitude to Maestro Director Monsignor Marcos Pavan and to Michele Marinelli, Maestro of the Pueri Cantores – the white voices – as well as to the entire Choir, whose nearly 1,500-year history continues in service of the liturgy of the Roman Pontiff.
To the children have lived Christmas without peace
Pope Leo XIV’s words on this evening merged music to some of the world’s most urgent calls. Tonight’s concert reflected a Church that listens to the world’s suffering, yet still makes room for beauty as prayer as, nearing the end of his address, the Pope expressed: “I would like to dedicate this Concert to the children who, in many parts of the world, have lived through this Christmas without lights, without music, without even what is necessary for human dignity, and without peace.”
“May the Lord, to whom we have wished to raise our songs of praise this evening, hear the silent cry of these little ones,” he prayed, “and grant the world – through the intercession of the Virgin Mother – justice and peace.” – Vatican News
