Pope Leo: ‘In the Poor, the Lord Continues to Speak to Us’

Vatican, Dec 6, 2025: Meeting artists and organisers on the eve of the annual Christmas Vatican "Concert with the Poor" at its sixth edition, Pope Leo described the initiative that began under Pope Francis as a “beautiful tradition” as the Church enters the Christmas season.

He referred to Saint Paul’s words about Christ “who for your sake became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich,” emphasising that the Incarnation reveals “the love that God the Father has for each of us.” He also recalled 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.”

Recognising Christ in those most in need

Pope Leo underlined that the concert is far more than a musical event or charitable gesture. Citing 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 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.”

He affirmed that human dignity is not based on material possessions: “We are not our goods or our things… but rather children loved by God.” This, he said, is why the concert places emphasis on “the most fragile brothers and sisters.”

Music as a path to God

Pope Leo reflected on the spiritual meaning of music, noting that liturgical song “is meant to elevate the soul,” and citing Saint Augustine: “You must sing to Him… sing well, brothers.” He also added with humour to the artists, “Please, sing well tomorrow!” He said music can also be “a form of love… a via pulchritudinis that leads to God.”

The Pope expressed gratitude to 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, along with all singers, musicians and partners who support the event.

Courtesy: Vatican News