Pope Leo XIV surprises students at Paul VI Pontifical School with a visit, enjoying their multilingual Christmas carols and sharing reflections on love and peace
Newsroom (19/12/2025 Gaudium Press ) In a heartwarming display of papal affection for the young, Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit this week to the Paul VI Pontifical School in Castel Gandolfo, where he was treated to a special Christmas concert performed by the school’s students in his honor.
The Holy Father, known for his warm engagements with children, arrived unannounced at the Catholic elementary school, which enrolls approximately 300 students and was founded in 1968 by St. Paul VI. The performance unfolded in the school gymnasium, filled not only with the voices of the young singers but also with the presence of proud parents, dedicated teachers, Bishop Vincenzo Viva of Albano, and Archbishop Giordano Piccinotti, president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See.
The children sang traditional Christmas carols in multiple languages — Italian, Latin, English, and Spanish — captivating the pontiff, who listened with rapt attention throughout the recital. At its conclusion, Pope Leo XIV applauded enthusiastically, his face beaming with an enormous smile that reflected his genuine delight.
In an impromptu address to the gathered assembly on December 16, the pope expressed his profound appreciation for the performance. “It was wonderful to hear the Christmas carols in Italian, Latin, English, and Spanish,” he remarked, according to Vatican News reports. He went on to reflect deeply on the significance of the moment: “Hearing these children sing like this in all these languages helps us understand how Christmas awakens in the hearts of all of us a joy, a peace, a truly important message.”
Drawing on his customary invocation of early Church fathers, Pope Leo XIV referenced St. Augustine of Hippo, quoting the saint’s observation that “‘he who loves, sings,’ because his heart truly knows what is important.” He connected this to the essence of Christmas: “And God has wanted to communicate to all of us the gift of love: This is Christmas, God who wanted to draw near to us, especially to the little ones.”
The pontiff encouraged those present to carry forward the spirit of the season, saying, “May this spirit that we are already celebrating tonight, and in the coming days and at Christmas, and perhaps throughout the entire year, allow us to feel and live this love of Christmas.” He concluded his brief remarks with a poignant invitation: to “proclaim peace, love, and unity in the world.”
Following the concert, the pope thanked the school community for their invitation, declaring that the children “have brought love to everyone tonight with this beautiful music.” True to his approachable nature, he took time to personally greet the young performers and their families, posing for touching photographs that captured his radiant joy.
In a thoughtful gesture acknowledging his well-known passion for the sport, the students and families presented Pope Leo XIV with a tennis racket. The pontiff, an avid player who has enjoyed tennis for many years, graciously accepted the gift.
Before departing for the Vatican after his regular weekly stay at the nearby papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father toured the school’s grounds. The institution, which preserves a relic of its founder St. Paul VI, provided a fitting backdrop for this festive encounter.
The Christmas gathering left behind enduring images of papal warmth, underscoring Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on closeness to the faithful — particularly the youngest among them — as the Church prepares to celebrate the birth of Christ.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Prensa
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