Music is a bridge of Hope and Worship.

In a recent special gathering at the Vatican, the spirit of unity, joy, and compassion was expressed through music. During the “Concert with the Poor,” Pope Leo XIV reminded the world that music is not a privilege for a few but a divine gift meant for all. His words echo deeply with the heart of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, two Pacific Island nations whose cultural identity is carried through song, rhythm, and dance like other Islands in the Pacific.

Pope Leo XIV spoke of music as a bridge that leads humanity closer to God. This truth is familiar to Papua New Guineans, who have long understood that music forms the heartbeat of worship, whether in a village church choir, a town fellowship group, voices raised during Sunday liturgy uplifts the spirit, and gives expression to faith.

In PNG, worship is rarely silent; there is always a guitar, a kundu drum, or voices rising in harmony. At the Vatican event, thousands of people, particularly those living on the margins of society, were welcomed with dignity, in the same way music in Papua New Guinea has long served as a unifying gift, bringing together people of different languages, denominations, and backgrounds. Through music, burdens are shared, comfort is offered, and hope is restored.

Pope Leo XIV at the "Concert with the Poor " in the Vatican. Image: VATICAN NEWS

The Pope highlighted that music does not simply distract from suffering; instead, it reminds humanity that we are beloved children of God. This is especially meaningful for many Papua New Guineans who face daily struggles, whether in village settings or growing urban communities. When voices are lifted in worship, worries are replaced with assurance, sorrow becomes prayer, and faith becomes stronger.

Reflecting on the spiritual significance of music, Pope Leo XIV said, “Music is like a bridge that leads us to God and is capable of transmitting feelings, emotions, even the deepest stirrings of the soul, lifting them and transforming them into an imaginary stairway connecting earth and heaven.”

The Pope also highlighted the strong connection between music and the celebration of Christmas, noting that “It is not a coincidence that the feast of Christmas is very rich in traditional songs, in every language and every culture, and is through this Mystery, that could not be celebrated without music, without hymns of praise.”

From traditional carols sung in Tok Pisin and local languages to modern gospel songs, Christmas in PNG is filled with joyous harmonies. The vibrancy of festive music reminds communities of God’s love and the coming of Christ.

As Advent continues, Pope Leo XIV encouraged believers to keep their hearts awake, not weighed down by materialism or personal struggles, instead, he urged people to be attentive to those in need and to listen to the “song of God’s love,” expressed most fully in Jesus Christ.

In Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and in other parts of the world, this message resonates strongly as music remains one of the purest expressions of worship, uplifting spirits, encouraging unity, and carrying faith across mountains, islands, and valleys. Truly, music remains a precious gift, one that continues to guide hearts toward God, strengthen communities, and sustain hope.