Pope: Sacred Music Must Glorify God and Sanctify the Faithful

Vatican City, August 19, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has said sacred music is an integral part of the liturgy, called to glorify God, express prayer and help the faithful grow in holiness.

Speaking during his Wednesday General Audience, the Pope continued his reflections on the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, focusing on its chapter dedicated to sacred music.

Pope Leo said the Church’s musical tradition is “a treasure of inestimable value” and stressed that sacred music is “part of the liturgical action and is not merely a decorative part of the celebration”.

He explained that singing and playing sacred music in the liturgy means praying and actively participating in the mystery being celebrated. Recalling St. Augustine’s words, “Cantare amantis est” (“singing belongs to those who love”), the Pope said music helps people open their hearts to God’s grace.

He also highlighted the role of music in fostering communion. Singing, he said, unites hearts, overcomes differences and brings people together in praise of God, offering a tangible expression of the Church’s communion.

The Pope said sacred music must be appropriate to the liturgical moment and should be noble, simple, of high musical quality and accessible to the whole assembly. He added that it should be profound and readily understandable, drawing principally from Sacred Scripture, the liturgical books and the spiritual tradition of the Church.

Pope Leo also recalled the Second Vatican Council’s esteem for Gregorian chant while noting that the Church does not exclude other forms of sacred music. He stressed the importance of respecting the musical traditions of different cultures as part of inculturation.

Referring to Pope St. John Paul II, he emphasised the need to preserve dignity and excellence in liturgical music and avoid styles and texts unworthy of the sacred rites.

The Pope further noted that liturgical music cannot be judged solely by artistic quality. It must correspond to the requirements of the liturgy, follow the text, suit the particular moment and reflect the character and gestures of the rite.

He concluded by stressing the importance of proper formation for musicians and singers, particularly in seminaries, religious formation houses, Catholic institutions and schools.

Quoting St. Ignatius of Antioch, Pope Leo urged the faithful to become “a choir” united in harmony, singing with one voice through Jesus Christ to the Father.

Courtesy: Vatican News