Michael Bublé Brings Faith and Music to the Vatican’s Concert with the Poor
On December 6, 2026, the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall will once again become a place of warmth, dignity, and music for thousands as Canadian singer-songwriter Michael Bublé headlines the 6th edition of the Concert with the Poor. Ahead of the event, Bublé shared heartfelt reflections on faith, service, and the divine power of music, declaring, “Music is a gift from God.”
A Night of Music and Compassion
Founded in 2015, the Concert with the Poor is a Vatican initiative that opens its doors to 3,000 individuals experiencing homelessness, migration challenges, incarceration, or social and mental hardship. More than just a performance, the event includes a shared meal and the distribution of comfort items—offering not just entertainment, but genuine care and connection.
Alongside Bublé, the evening will feature performances by Italian singer Serena Autieri, Msgr. Marco Frisina, and the Nova Opera Orchestra, all marking the beginning of the Advent season with beauty and meaning.
Meeting the Pope and Honoring His Requests
Bublé described his meeting with Pope Leo XIV as one of the most moving moments of his life. In preparation for the concert, he asked if the Holy Father had any personal song requests. Among them was the revered Ave Maria—a piece Bublé has only sung once before. Though initially nervous, he found confidence in the support of the choir and orchestra, saying, “There’s no need to fear.”
Many of the songs on Bublé’s setlist were specially chosen by Pope Leo, making the performance a unique collaboration of faith, art, and service.
Faith at the Heart of His Art
A lifelong Catholic, Bublé shared that his faith guides every decision in his life. He sees his artistic platform not just as a career, but as a ministry of kindness, hope, and love. “In a world full of violence and struggle, faith is the light that helps you find your way,” he said. “If you have that light inside you, you’re never truly lost.”
To him, music is far more than entertainment — it’s spiritual. “Music is a gift from God,” he emphasized, expressing his gratitude for being chosen to perform at a concert that serves those who often suffer silently. “Suffering brings us closer to God,” he reflected, adding that this concert is his way of offering love and comfort through the universal language of song.
Teaching Through Example
For Bublé, the concert is not just a professional milestone but a personal one as well. He hopes it will be a teaching moment for his four children, showing them how to live with compassion. When they encounter homelessness or poverty, he reminds them that every person in need carries the presence of God.
While this concert differs from the commercial shows he’s used to, Bublé said the connection remains the same — deeply human and spiritual. “My joy is a spiritual connection with the audience,” he said. “They’re beautiful souls.” As always, before stepping on stage, he will pause for a quiet prayer: “Thank you, God, for blessing me with the ability to connect with these beautiful souls.”
