In an unprecedented cultural milestone, the Vatican will host its first-ever free public pop concert at St. Peter’s Square on September 13, 2025. Titled “Grace for the World,” the event brings together an extraordinary lineup of international artists, with music industry titans Pharrell Williams and Andrea Bocelli serving as co-directors and executive producers for this groundbreaking cultural fusion.
The concert, scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. local time, will feature performances by global stars including Karol G, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, and K-Pop artist BamBam. Hip-hop duo Clipse, soul singer Teddy Swims, country artist Jelly Roll, and Grammy-winning Angélique Kidjo round out the diverse musical roster.
The performances will be supported by the Voices of Fire gospel choir, the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, and an international ensemble of 250 voices, creating a rich tapestry of musical traditions.
Beyond the musical performances, attendees will witness a spectacular drone show inspired by the Sistine Chapel’s iconic frescoes. More than 3,000 drones, programmed by Nova Sky Stories, will transform the Vatican sky into a dynamic canvas that complements the musical presentations below, marking an unprecedented technological display in this sacred setting.
The event serves as the closing celebration for the third World Meeting on Human Fraternity and aims to convey a universal message of unity through artistic expression. Though physical attendance requires prior registration with limited seating already filled, standing room remains available for onsite participants. Notably, Karol G will make history as the first Latin American to perform before the Pope, possibly including a duet of “Vivo Per Lei” with Bocelli.
For global audiences, the concert will stream live on Disney+, Hulu, and ABC News Live. The event’s free admission ensures accessibility for all attendees who can make it to Vatican City.
Musical direction falls to Adam Blackstone, known for his work with major recording artists, who will blend gospel, pop, classical, and contemporary sounds throughout the program. Artists participating in the event are expected to see a significant boost in their digital presence through the massive global audience exposure and promotional opportunities across streaming platforms. This cultural landmark represents a significant shift in Vatican engagement with global pop culture, creating a moment where sacred space meets contemporary artistic expression in service of promoting human fraternity.
The concert’s unprecedented nature signals the Vatican’s evolving approach to cultural dialogue, using music as a universal language to connect diverse audiences across faith traditions and geographical boundaries. Participating artists will benefit from valuable sync licensing opportunities as the concert will be recorded for potential use in various visual media formats.
