As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis on April 21st at the age of 88, we also remember the unique legacy he leaves behind as a champion of music. He frequently mentioned songs as a force for unity, joy, and healing.
Pope Francis met with a wide range of Latin artists, from pop icons like J Balvin and Juanes to soulful singers like Lola Ponce, offering his thoughts on the universal language of music. J Balvin once called him “the coolest one,” a sentiment echoed by many artists who found in Pope Francis a kindred spirit who understood the transformative power of melody and rhythm.
As we remember Pope Francis, we also honor his musical message, one that invites us build bridges through the universal language of songs.
POPE FRANCIS ON MUSIC’S POWER TO HEAL AND UNITE
“There is much need for joy in the world, and music can provide that. So many people, also young people, are prisoners of their anxiety or of boredom; song and music can touch hearts, give beauty, restore a taste and hope for life”
“Music creates harmony, thereby reaching everyone, consoling those who suffer, rekindling enthusiasm in the downhearted, and bringing forth wonderful values such as beauty and poetry”
“Music, indeed, is a universal and immediate language that requires no translation or elaborate explanation”
“Music has the ability to make a deep impression on moments in people’s life, preserving them as a precious memory that has marked their existence.
