Pope Leo Highlights the Call to Hear God Through the Voices of the Poor
Pope Leo XIV met with the artists and organizers of the annual Christmas Concert with the Poor, recognizing the event as a meaningful tradition that continues to grow in significance as the Church prepares for the nativity celebrations. In addressing those assembled, he reflected on Saint Paul’s reminder that Christ chose poverty so that humanity might discover a deeper richness rooted not in material security but in divine love. The Pope drew on themes from Benedict XVI’s Deus Caritas Est to show how the Incarnation reveals a love that actively seeks those who are wounded or overlooked. He emphasized that the initiative is not simply an artistic gathering but a moment that helps the community receive the season with renewed awareness of those whose lives bear the weight of hardship. The encounter was framed as an invitation to rediscover how Christian hope is communicated when the Church listens attentively to the experiences of the poor.
The Pope also encouraged participants to understand the event as a moment of spiritual interpretation rather than philanthropy alone, noting that the Gospel teaches a direct connection between serving those in need and encountering Christ himself. He recalled a passage from his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te, observing that the presence of the poor is not merely a social condition but a continuing revelation that challenges the Church to re-examine its priorities. In stressing that human dignity does not originate in wealth or status, he reminded those present that the concert deliberately gives precedence to individuals and families who face particular vulnerability. The gathering thus becomes a symbolic space where generosity, artistic expression and shared prayer reinforce the conviction that each person carries an irreplaceable dignity grounded in being loved by God. This approach positions the event as a witness to the Church’s commitment to accompany those who struggle against the margins of society.
Reflecting on the role of music, Pope Leo spoke of how liturgical song elevates the soul and contributes to the beauty that leads hearts toward God. Drawing lightly on Augustine’s encouragement to sing well, he spoke with gratitude to the performers who dedicate their craft to a purpose larger than entertainment. He described music as a path that communicates hope and can soften the barriers that often distance individuals from one another. His words included appreciation for Cardinal Baldo Reina, Monsignor Marco Frisina, the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, the Orchestra, the Nova Opera Foundation and the various artists participating in this year’s concert. By acknowledging their contributions, the Pope underlined how artistic collaboration becomes an instrument through which the Church can remind the world that compassion, beauty and attentiveness to the poor remain essential for a renewed encounter with the Christmas message.
