Concert, drone show in memory of Pope Francis at the Vatican

The highlight of the event is the Grace For The World concert on the evening of September 7, featuring Pharrell Williams, Andrea Bocelli, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Karol G, Teddy Swims and a surprise reunion of rap duo Clipse (Pusha T and No Malice).

Tens of thousands of spectators filled St. Peter's Square, under a light show by drones depicting the late Pope Francis in the sky - Photo: AFP

On September 6 and 7 in Rome (Italy), the Vatican held the World Conference on Human Fraternity, bringing together many scientists and leaders to discuss AI as well as the future of humanity.

The event at the Vatican concluded with a historic open-air concert in St. Peter's Square - the first time such a large-scale performance has been held there, CNN reported.

Vatican looks to the future and peace for humanity

The stage was led by singer Pharrell Williams and top opera singer Andrea Bocelli, creating a combination of both modern and traditional.

Tens of thousands of spectators gathered in front of St. Peter's Basilica to witness a special light show as hundreds of drones formed the shape of Pope Francis in the sky, opening the concert.

Clockwise from top left: Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Andrea Bocelli, Pharrell Williams, Karol G and Jelly Roll, some of the featured artists appearing at the historic outdoor concert in St. Peter's Square - Photo: HULU

The lineup spans classical, soul and hip-hop: John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Teddy Swims, Karol G and the Clipse group, with a surprise reunion of brothers Pusha T and No Malice.

The performances interweaved the powerful voices of Bocelli and Hudson, the youthfulness of Karol G and the familiar melodies of Pharrell Williams, making the square atmosphere explode.

Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am did not perform but said he hoped the crowd would join in singing Where Is The Love?, a popular song calling for peace and love.

" The world needs that today," he said.

Some of the standout performances included a duet between Bocelli and Jennifer Hudson, which offered a fusion of Italian opera and American soul, or John Legend's performance of an emotional song about hope.

Each artist, in their own way, has contributed to turning Vatican Square into a melting pot of global music and spirit.

John Legend performs at a concert in St. Peter's Square - Photo: AFP

Will.i.am, frontman of the Black Eyed Peas and founder of FYI.AI, also participated in the dialogue at the World Conference on Human Fraternity.

He also said that the election of Pope Leo XIV - the first American pope, from Chicago - was a sign of hope in the context of many painful social problems in the US.

At the event, the new Pope Leo - the first American pope in history - gave a speech calling for "finding new paths of social charity" and seeing "the image of God in the poor, the refugee and even the enemy".

He also thanked the people of Lampedusa Island (Italy) for welcoming war-torn migrants, recalling Pope Francis' first visit there in 2013.

To Cuong

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hoa-nhac-trinh-dien-drone-tuong-niem-giao-hoang-francis-o-vatican-2025091419541969.htm