When Pope Francis entered the Clementine Hall, these angelic voices welcomed him.
They are from the Mariele Ventre Children's Choir of the Antoniano, one of the most famous in Italy due to its participation in the Zecchino d'Oro Children's Music Festival.
The choir is 60 years old, though its singers are much younger. Pope Francis congratulated them and asked them to keep spreading joy.
POPE FRANCIS
“With your songs, with simplicity and wit, you spread a feeling of serenity that everyone needs, especially families going through moments of difficulty and suffering. Stay on your path, sing the authentic values of life and thank God through songs of praise for everything good He gives us.”
Before leaving, Pope Francis blessed each one of the nearly 50 child singers. They thanked him in the way they know best.
“Thank you! You sing well. Congratulations.”
