Pope to school children: At Christmas, build peace and unity

Pope Leo XIV paid a special visit to the Pontifical Paul VI School in Castel Gandolfo for the eleventh annual InCanto Christmas concert, performed by the school's students. The Pope's visit occurred after his regular Tuesday stay at the nearby Villa Barberini. He first toured the school before joining students and their families in the gymnasium for the musical performance.

The concert provided an opportunity for the children to extend Christmas wishes, emphasizing that true wealth comes not from material possessions but from fostering inner peace and positive relationships with others.

The students, dressed in jeans and white shirts, sang Christmas carols from a tiered stage. Carols like Adeste fideles, Joy to the World, Noël Noël, and Astro del ciel filled the gymnasium. Parents, teachers, school staff, the Bishop of Albano, Monsignor Vincenzo Viva, and Monsignor Giordano Piccinotti, President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, were also present.

After the concert, Pope Leo remarked on the beauty of hearing Christmas songs in Italian, Latin, English, and Spanish. He noted that children singing in different languages highlights the universal joy and peace that Christmas brings. He also expressed his gratitude for the invitation, humorously mentioning its “mysterious” arrival, and his happiness in accepting it.

Reflecting on the lyrics of one song about “angels who bring love,” the Pope observed that the children spread love through their music. He quoted Saint Augustine, noting that “the one who loves sings,” because love allows one to understand what truly matters.

"God wished to communicate to all of us the gift of love: this is what Christmas is," Pope Leo stated, stressing God's closeness to humanity, especially the most vulnerable. He expressed his hope that the spirit of Christmas would extend beyond the holiday season. Quoting another song, he encouraged everyone “to do more to proclaim peace, love and unity in the world.”

Concluding the visit, Pope Leo blessed the children and their families, encouraging them to pray together and recognize God’s presence, particularly in the most vulnerable. He received applause and cheers, along with a tennis racket and a school uniform as gifts. Before departing, he posed for a photograph with the students.

The Pontifical Paul VI School, located near Villa Barberini, was founded by Pope Paul VI in 1968 to serve the local community, emphasizing Catholic education for young people. Today, the school educates approximately 300 students, offering a Catholic-based curriculum enhanced by extracurricular activities in sports, music, languages, civic education, and food education.