St Peter’s Square became the stage for an unprecedented spectacle on Saturday night, as tens of thousands gathered for Grace for the World, a massive concert closing the third World Meeting on Human Fraternity. Source: CNA.
The event opened with breathtaking symbolism: more than 3000 drones illuminated the night sky above the basilica, tracing the image of Pope Francis, framing Michelangelo’s dome and Bernini’s colonnade in light. The display, a first for the Vatican, drew reverent silence before the crowd erupted in applause.
The moment was accompanied by a stirring duet of Amazing Grace performed by Andrea Bocelli and American singer Teddy Swims. Their voices rose over the hushed square, blending with the faint hum of the drones in an atmosphere of solemnity and awe.
After that, the Roman sky became a vast canvas. The drones depicted the hands from Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, followed by a monumental dove of peace and finally a striking image of Michelangelo’s Pietà, the famous marble sculpture housed in St Peter’s Basilica. The projections, clear against the night, prompted ovations and a forest of mobile phones lifted high to capture the scene.
Also projected was the icon of Salus Populi Romani, venerated in the Basilica of St Mary Major and cherished by Pope Francis.
The innovative display set the tone for the evening: a call to universal fraternity, dialogue among cultures, and hope in times of global crisis. For the first time, St Peter’s Square was transformed into an open-air arena for a concert of this scale.
The event marked the conclusion of the two-day World Meeting on Human Fraternity, which brought together 500 participants, including Nobel laureates, academics, cultural leaders, and experts in technology and the environment.
Fifteen dialogue panels explored themes such as peace, care for the planet, technology’s impact, and the future of humanity.
The Grace for the World concert can be viewed on Disney+.
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Vatican lights up with drone show at historic ‘Grace for the World’ concert (By Victoria Cardiel, CNA)
