History will be made on 13 September at 20:00 in St. Peter’s Square as the Vatican hosts its first public concert in 2000 years. “Grace for the World” is set to close the third edition of the World Meeting on Human Fraternity with an unforgettable evening of live performances by global superstarsand a dazzling drone and light showbearing a unifying message.
Co-directed by Pharrell Williams and Andrea Bocellithe lineup also includes Jennifer Hudson, Karol G, K-Pop star Bambam and rapping duo Clip. The event will be streamed live worldwide for free on Disney+, Hulu and ABC News Live. Register here to receive your live streaming links and access updates for Grace for the World.
Music history in the making
This unprecedented event will bring together powerhouses like Voices of Fire, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, Clipse, Angélique Kidjo and a 250-strong international choirincluding singers from the Choir of the Diocese of Rome — under the musical direction of renowned producer Adam Blackstone.
In addition to these stirring performances, the show will showcase an enchanting aerial spectacle by Nova Sky Stories. Over 3000 drones will reimagine the Sistine Chapeltransforming the Vatican night sky into a technological display unlike any other. Open to the public in Rome, the concert will also be broadcast live on Disney+, Hulu and ABC News Live at 20:00 UK time.
Grace for the World will close the third edition of the World Meeting on Human Fraternity within the Vatican Jubilee celebrations. For two consecutive days, on 12 and 13 September, global leaders, Nobel laureates and activists from different countries will come together for thematic roundtables to discuss current world issues and how to promote unity. By featuring artists from different backgrounds, the concert aspires to echo this message of togetherness.
Pharrell: Spreading unity, one beat at a time
Although he’s best known as a musician and producer, his public image is often tied to optimism and social impact. From his global hit “Happy” to his philanthropic work with UNESCO and YELLOW, Pharrell Williams is certainly a symbolic choice for an event centred on fraternity.
“Together, let’s reflect through music to spread the message of unity and grace for all humanity,” Pharrell said. The concert’s other co-director, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also commented on the event, saying that it is “a unique live experience uniting music, storytelling, and fraternity”.
Yet, the significance of this event extends far beyond the melodies, encouraging everyone both at St. Peter’s Square and at home to reflect on today’s challenges. In an era defined by conflict, isolation, poverty and environmental crises, this first-ever Vatican concert serves as a space for dialogue, hope and inclusion.
Everyone is welcome to participate in this extraordinary moment and you won’t want to miss it.
