Pope Leo XIV: Beauty Lifts Hearts Towards Heaven Amid a Troubled World

Castel Gandolfo, July 19, 2026: Pope Leo XIV said beauty has the power to lift people's hearts towards heaven and restore hope, as he addressed guests following a concert organised by the Diocese of Albano in honour of his summer stay at Castel Gandolfo.

Speaking at the Apostolic Palace on Saturday evening, the Pope reflected on the challenges facing the world, including war, conflict, hatred, violence and unemployment. He said occasions that celebrate beauty remind people that humanity is capable of coming together to reveal goodness and hope.

"We live in a world where beauty is lacking," the Pope said, adding that music and art help people "lift our gaze toward heaven" and recognise the beauty God intended in creation.

Recalling his recent visit to Spain, Pope Leo said the purpose of that journey was also to encourage people to look beyond present hardships and turn their hearts towards God. He described music, art and beauty as gifts that elevate the human spirit and inspire hope.

The concert featured violinist Marco Rogliano, who performed Polonaise with Variations from Niccolò Paganini's Third Violin Concerto, and pianist Rossana Tomassi Golkar, accompanied by the I Musici di Parma Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Pier Carlo Orizio. The programme also included Libera fantasia e variazioni sulla Norma by Luis Bacalov, based on Vincenzo Bellini's Norma.

The Pope thanked the musicians for their performance and expressed gratitude to the Diocese of Albano for organising the concert, saying such moments of beauty enable people to experience God's gift of creation more deeply.

Earlier in the evening, Bishop Vincenzo Viva of Albano welcomed the Pope and said the concert was a gesture of gratitude and closeness during his stay in Castel Gandolfo. Reflecting on Bellini's Norma, the bishop also remembered women and mothers affected by wars around the world and echoed Pope Leo XIV's repeated appeals for peace since the beginning of his pontificate.

The concert concluded with a symbolic projection of a star-filled sky, highlighting the evening's message that beauty, faith and hope can shine even amid the suffering caused by conflict. Pope Leo XIV greeted the musicians and those in attendance before departing the Apostolic Palace courtyard.

Courtesy: Vatican News