As the sun set over the peaceful Borgo Laudato Si’ gardens at the Vatican, world renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli delivered a powerful performance that became one of the most unforgettable moments of the evening.

Leading a 164 member international children’s choir, Bocelli filled the gardens with the moving hymn “Amazing Grace” in a special tribute to Pope Leo XIV, leaving the audience in complete silence as the final notes echoed through the historic venue.

The emotional performance was part of the “Canticle for Peace,” a prayer gathering and concert held on July 29 at Borgo Laudato Si’ in Castel Gandolfo, the former papal summer residence that Pope Francis transformed into a model of environmental care and sustainability.

The choir brought together 164 children from around the world, including young singers from Israel, Palestine, Italy and Uganda. Throughout the evening, they performed songs centered on hope and peace, including “Moon in Kiev” by Italian poet Gianni Rodari before joining Bocelli for a breathtaking rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Watch the video below.

Following the concert, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the powerful message behind the performance, calling the international choir “an ideal symbol of harmony and cooperation.” Speaking directly to the children, many of whom come from regions affected by war, he said music has the unique ability to reveal beauty and unite people beyond their differences.

“It opens before us a new horizon, and it awakens within us the desire to go out to meet that horizon,” the Pope said. “We encounter God our Creator. Just as we can follow a stream back to its source, the beauty of music invites us to encounter the one who is beauty itself.”

The Pope also offered heartfelt prayers for the young performers and their families, saying, “The Holy Father loves you and prays for you, for your families and for your countries.” He expressed hope that peace would one day return to every home and every nation still suffering from violence.

The event carried special meaning as it marked the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, whose life was dedicated to peace, humility and care for creation. It was organized by the Laudato Si’ High Formation Center in partnership with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, bringing together music, faith and young voices from different cultures in a moving call for unity during a time of growing global conflict.

Against the backdrop of the golden sunset, Bocelli’s soaring vocals blended with the children’s harmonies to create a deeply emotional finale that reminded everyone in attendance of music’s extraordinary power to heal, inspire and bring people together.