“When I hear music, I hear the voice of God”, Canadian singer and songwriter Michael Bublé shared at a press conference ahead of the 6th edition of the Vatican’s Concert with the Poor on 6 December.

Established in 2015, the Concert with the Poor reserves 3,000 seats of the Paul VI Audience Hall specifically for the homeless, migrants, detainees with special permits, and those living in mental and social distress. Following the performance, dinner and “comfort items” are distributed to those in need.

Together with Msgr. Marco Frisina—one of the organizers of the concert—Serena Autieri, and the Nova Opera Orchestra, the Hall will be filled with music at the start of the Advent season.

Bublé described the event’s program as a way “to pay tribute and to give service to the moment…while at the same time celebrating the holiday. And Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ.”

Papal song requests

A lifelong Catholic, Bublé recalled his meeting with Pope Leo XIV this morning as one of the greatest moments of his life. He asked friends at the Vatican if there were any specific songs Pope Leo would want to hear at the concert. One of the Holy Father’s requests was Ave Maria—a song that Bublé said he’s only sung once.

“When he asked, I was very nervous, I didn’t want to let him or any of you down”, the Canadian singer explained, “But with the amazing group behind me—the choir and orchestra—I realized, there’s no [need to] fear.”

Ave Maria is not the only song on his setlist requested by the Pope. Bublé shared that many of the songs he will perform at the concert were specifically requested by Pope Leo.

Music is a gift from God

When asked how his faith has inspired his music, Bublé stressed that his beliefs influence everything he does and every decision he makes. Every artist has a brand and a platform, and he hopes that because of his faith, his brand is one of “kindness, hope, and love.”

In a world full of wars, violence, and challenges, Bublé called faith a light in the midst of darkness. “When you have faith, you have your own pilot light”, he said. “If you have that faith and you have that light inside you, you can find your way.” For Bublé, his musical platform is the way he is able to share this light, his faith.

This is because music is more than just words and notes. “Music is a gift from God,” the singer said, explaining how humbled he feels to have been chosen to perform at the concert. “I get to spread the good Word, and the fact that it’s a concert with people that could be suffering…suffering brings you closer to God”..

Seeing God in the poor

Speaking after the press conference with Vatican News’ Fr. Felipe Herrera, Bublé said it is “an honor to serve” by performing at the concert as his faith has always been an important part of his life. “It’s a beautiful part of my life and there’s something beautiful about knowing that you’re a part of spreading [the faith].”

Moreover, in the music industry, having his faith at the center of his life has been a positive because he can be sure God has a plan. “No matter how difficult that is to understand, you always know there is a reason for why you’re where you are”, Bublé stressed.

Reflecting on how the Concert with the Poor can be a teaching moment for his four children, Bublé described it as “another example of how to be.” He recounted how when the family sees a homeless person on the streets, he reminds them that they can see God in those in need.

While this show is different than other performances, the Canadian singer said he would bond with the poor people in the audience as he does with any other publiv. “My joy is a connection, truly a spiritual connection with the audience. They’re beautiful souls”, he said. And, just as he does every night before a show, he will offer a little prayer tomorrow: “Thank you, God, for blessing me with the ability to connect with these beautiful souls.”