History will be made on 13 September. The Vatican hosts its first public concert in St Peter’s Square — and the whole world’s invited. “Grace for the World” is set to close the third edition of the World Meeting on Human Fraternity with an unforgettable evening of live performances by global superstars— Pharrell Williams, Andrea Bocelli, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Karol G, BamBam and more—and a dazzling drone and light show, bearing a unifying message.
Co-directed by Pharrell Williams and Andrea Bocelli, the event will be streamed live worldwide on Disney+, Hulu and ABC News Live. This means the historic and monumental events will take place at 3:30am on September 14, local time.Register here to receive your live streaming links and access updates for Grace for the World.
Music history in the making
This unprecedented event will bring together powerhouses like Voices of Fire, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, Clipse, Angélique Kidjo and a 250-strong international choir, including singers from the Choir of the Diocese of Rome — under the musical direction of renowned producer Adam Blackstone.
It’s also shaping up to be a big night for Karol G as she’ll be the first Latin American artist to perform before the Pope. Rumor has it that the Colombian singer will team up with Bocelli for a duet of “Vivo per lei” and also perform her powerful solo “Milagros”, a song about celebrating life’s everyday miracles.
In addition to these stirring performances, the show will showcase an enchanting aerial spectacle by Nova Sky Stories. Over 3000 drones will take inspiration from the Sistine Chapel, transforming the Vatican night sky into a technological display unlike any other. Open to the public in Rome, the concert will also be broadcast live on Disney+, Hulu and ABC News Live at 3:30am local time.
Grace for the World will close the third edition of the World Meeting on Human Fraternity within the Vatican Jubilee celebrations. For two consecutive days, on 12 and 13 September, global leaders, Nobel laureates and activists from different countries will come together for thematic roundtables to discuss current world issues and how to promote unity. By featuring artists from different backgrounds, the concert aspires to echo this message of togetherness.
Pharrell: Spreading unity, one beat at a time
Although he’s best known as a musician and producer, his public image is often tied to optimism and social impact. From his global hit “Happy” to his philanthropic work with UNESCO and YELLOW, Pharrell Williams is certainly a symbolic choice for an event centred on fraternity.
“Together, let’s reflect through music to spread the message of unity and grace for all humanity,” Pharrell said. The concert’s other co-director, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also commented on the event, saying that it is “a unique live experience uniting music, storytelling, and fraternity”.
Yet, the significance of this event extends far beyond the melodies, encouraging everyone both at St. Peter’s Square and at home to reflect on today’s challenges. In an era defined by conflict, isolation, poverty and environmental crises, this first-ever Vatican concert serves as a space for dialogue, hope and inclusion.
Everyone is welcome to participate in this extraordinary moment and you won’t want to miss it.