Vatican City – This afternoon, in the heart of the Apostolic Palace, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in audience the participants of the event promoted by the Domenico Bartolucci Foundation, marking the 500th anniversary of the birth of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. It was a profound celebration, rich in art, faith, and memory, culminating in the Pope’s signing of a commemorative postcard and stamp issued by the Vatican Post Office.
Accompanying the Bartolucci Foundation’s delegation—led by Sister Raffaella Petrini—was Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Protodeacon of the Holy Roman Church, visibly recovered from the medical difficulties he faced around the time of Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural days of his Petrine ministry. His presence added both meaning and emotion to an already deeply symbolic moment.
In his address, the Pope warmly greeted those present and began his remarks by acknowledging the beauty of music:
“After hearing these angelic voices, one would almost prefer not to speak and simply remain with this beautiful experience...”
The Holy Father then praised Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, describing him as one of the greatest promoters of sacred music in the history of the Church, capable of blending solemnity and austerity, drawing inspiration from Gregorian chant and enhancing the role of music in the liturgy:
“His compositions, solemn and austere, inspired by Gregorian chant, tightly link music and liturgy, offering prayer a gentler expression and bestowing greater solemnity upon sacred rites.”
Pope Leo XIV also reflected on the deeper meaning of polyphony, describing it as a musical form that, by virtue of its multi-voiced structure, becomes a metaphor for Christian life and the shared journey of faith under the guidance of the Holy Spirit:
“The effect of this dynamic unity in diversity is to help the listener enter more deeply into the mystery conveyed by the words.”
Finally, recalling the precious work of the Bartolucci Foundation and the extraordinary contribution of the late Cardinal musician, Leo XIV enthusiastically cited the Missa Papae Marcelli as a pinnacle of the Roman polyphonic tradition, which remains a beacon for contemporary sacred music.
Concluding his speech, the Holy Father left the audience with a message that intertwines prayer, music, and a witness of life:
“St Augustine, speaking of the Easter Alleluia, once said: Sing and walk! Do not stray from the path, do not turn back, do not stop! Let us make his exhortation our own, especially in this holy time of jubilation.”
It was a day that united memory and prophecy, in which the Church’s great musical tradition once again revealed its power to elevate the soul, enlighten faith, and build communion.
p.E.S.
Silere non possum