Fr. Piotr Majtyka – Vatican
“We cordially invite everyone to this exceptional event to join us in creating a space in the heart of Rome where music, culture, and spirituality unite people in a shared cry for peace,” emphasizes Bogdan Romaniuk, Director of the Festival.
The event is planned to mark the 48th anniversary of the solemn inauguration of the pontificate of St. John Paul II, echoing his historic appeal delivered on October 22, 1978: “Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors for Christ!” The concert is also part of the jubilee of the Vatican John Paul II Foundation, which is celebrating 45 years of service this year.
Outstanding Artists on the Roman Stage
Renowned performers from Poland and Italy will take the stage. The musical setting will be provided by the Symphony Orchestra from Krakow, the Choir of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, along with accompanying soloists and a musical ensemble.
Invited artists include Ilaria Della Bidia, Emanuele Pellegrini, Golec uOrkiestra, Classic & Boys, Marcin Jajkiewicz, Halina Mlynkova, Izabela Szafrańska, Marcelina „Marcycha” Ruczyńska, Kacper Siekirka, and Rycki Lyona. The entire event will be hosted by Magdalena Wolińska-Riedi and Grzegorz Boratyn.
Representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to the Holy See have also been invited to attend the event.
A Shared Cry for Peace
In the face of contemporary conflicts, the organizers hope that music, words, and prayer will become a joint cry for peace for the whole world. The Psalms, as the prayer of generations, uniquely allow the expression of both suffering and fear, as well as hope, gratitude, and trust. The main message of the concert will be to recall the values that St. John Paul II proclaimed throughout his life: peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, love, solidarity, and mutual respect.
