In the shadow of Methuselah, the great centuries-old holm oak of the Pontifical Gardens, which, explains Cardinal Fabio Baggio, pro prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development “with its over four centuries of life” «it preserves the memory of time and recalls the evangelical parable of the mustard seed», Andrea Bocelli performs in front of the Pope.
The common thread is the Canticle of Creatures, both because of the place, Borgo Laudato si’, and because, underlines the cardinal, «we find ourselves at the heart of a significant journey: the eighth centenary of the passing of Saint Francis of Assisi. Eight centuries later, his voice continues to challenge our time. In a world marked by wars, suffering and divisions, the Poverello of Assisi reminds us that peace comes first and foremost from a conversion of the heart: from the ability to recognize a brother in anotherin creation a gift and in life a shared responsibility.”
With Bocelli the youth choir of the ABFoundation Voices. «Children and young people» explains Bagigo «coming from lands marked by suffering and conflict: Holy Land, Uganda, Haiti and Italy, from the Rione Sanità to the areas hit by the Camerino earthquake. Through music they discover a common language capable of overcoming borders, differences and wounds. Their presence reminds us that peace is born every time we choose to listen, meet and follow a shared path.”
Sister Alessandra Smerilli, prefect of the Dicastery for integral human development reads the Canticle of Creatures. The Pope listens attentively and at the end of the prayer and brotherhood meeting “Canticle of Peace” promoted by the Laudato si’ Higher Education Center and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, he briefly greets the children.
«I am very happy that you are here with us today. It’s a joy to share these moments,” he tells them. «We have just heard your beautiful singing. Music has the extraordinary ability to unite different voices in harmony, where each contributes something unique to the whole. In this sense, the choir becomes a symbol of harmony and cooperation.”
And again, he adds, «it is significant that the Holy Scriptures and the Liturgy of the Church they speak of “choirs of angels and saints” when they describe the joy of heaven, not because they literally sing all the time, but because united in love they contemplate God together and find in Him the fullness of happiness.”
Finally, underlining how «music involved us all in a new experience, something that was greater than what any of us could have created alone» he explains that «this is the experience of beauty. It opens up a new horizon for us and awakens in us the desire to meet it. When we head towards that horizon, we discover not simply something, but Someone. We meet God, our Creator. Just as we can follow a stream to its source, so the beauty of music invites us to meet the one who is Beauty itself. In this regard, continue to cultivate the gifts God has given you and let them guide you towards Him.
The Lord is all we seek in life, the One who alone can give peace to our restless hearts. Remember that you were made for great things and that the whole world is not enough to satiate your thirst for meaning and happiness. Also know that the Holy Father loves you and prays for you, for your families and for your countries. In particular, I pray that peace may reign in your homes and in all those places in the world that continue to suffer from violence.”
At the end, the Pope received numerous gifts and also greeted the former mayor of New York Rudolph Giuliani, who was present at the event.
