Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV will join more than 160 children and young people from countries affected by war, poverty, and humanitarian crises for a special concert and prayer gathering at Borgo Laudato Si' on July 29. The event, titled Canticle of Peace, will use music as a shared language to promote hope, unity, and peace across the world.
The gathering is being organised by the Laudato Si' Center for Higher Education in partnership with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. It is also part of the celebrations marking 800 years since the death of St. Francis of Assisi, whose message of peace and care for creation continues to inspire people around the world.
Pope Leo XIV will lead a time of reflection and prayer during the event, inviting participants to pray for peace in places affected by conflict. The prayers will draw inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi's famous Canticle of the Creatures, a prayer that celebrates creation and encourages harmony among all people.
Music will play a central role throughout the event. Renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform alongside the ABF Voices of Choir, creating an atmosphere that reflects the event's message of dialogue, reconciliation, and hope.
A total of 164 children and young people will take part in the international choir. They come from the Holy Land, Uganda, Haiti, and Italy, representing communities that have experienced different forms of hardship. Many of them have grown up facing the effects of war, poverty, or other difficult circumstances. Despite these challenges, they will stand together to show how music can bring people together beyond differences in language, culture, or nationality.
Organisers said the choir is more than a musical performance. It represents the idea that young people can learn the values of mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation by working together toward a common goal. Through singing, the participants have had the opportunity to build friendships and experience the importance of listening to one another.
The July 29 event will conclude a ten day international gathering that brought together choristers and music educators for the first time. Throughout the programme, participants have shared experiences, learned from one another, and strengthened bonds through music while embracing the idea of a global community.
Cardinal Fabio Baggio, Director General of the Laudato Si' Center for Higher Education, said the Canticle of Peace reflects the mission of Borgo Laudato Si' as a place where faith is expressed through education, encounter, and fraternity.
He said that in a world facing increasing conflict and division, bringing together young people from different countries with Pope Leo XIV sends a powerful message that peace begins by teaching people to meet, listen, care for one another, and engage in meaningful dialogue. According to the Cardinal, these values form the foundation of lasting peace.
He also explained that Borgo Laudato Si' aims to spread a culture based on fraternity, respect for creation, care for others, and recognition of the dignity of every person, regardless of their background.
Andrea Bocelli also shared his thoughts on the event in a joint statement released on July 27. He said the Canticle of Peace was created to communicate a simple but universal message that peace grows through dialogue, personal encounters, and a willingness to listen to others.
Bocelli added that the presence of children and young people from different parts of the world, each carrying their own stories and struggles, demonstrates how music has the power to unite people and inspire hope even during difficult times.
The gathering will conclude with a symbolic gesture of friendship and gratitude. Each national choir delegation will present Pope Leo XIV with a handmade gift from their home country. The gifts will reflect the cultural identity of each group while expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to come together in prayer, music, and hope for a more peaceful world.