Banvelca Backs Canticle of Peace Gathering

Banvelca Foundation and the Herrera Velutini family supported “Canticle of Peace,” a gathering led by Pope Leo XIV and tenor Andrea Bocelli at the Pontifical Gardens in Castel Gandolfo. The event brought together 164 children and young people from vulnerable communities through ABF Voices, the educational program of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. Held at Borgo Laudato si’, the program combined music, spirituality and fellowship as part of celebrations marking the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. It concluded ten days of fellowship and formation for ABF Voices members.

Music and Fellowship

The young participants came from communities around the world affected by conflict, poverty and situations of vulnerability. Their varied backgrounds formed a central part of the gathering, which focused on dialogue, hope and reconciliation through music.

Pope Leo XIV said:

“In this sense, the choir becomes a symbol of concord and cooperation,”

Foundation Support

Banvelca Foundation’s involvement reflects its work in cultural sponsorship, heritage preservation and international philanthropy, alongside social and educational programs. The organization described its support for cultural initiatives as a way to bring young people together.

Melanie Herrera Velutini, President of Banvelca Foundation, said:

“Supporting an initiative that brings together young people whose lives have been shaped by such different circumstances reminds us of the power of culture to create common ground. These are precisely the kinds of programs we are committed to supporting, both as a Foundation and as a family.”

A Shared Message

During the gathering, Pope Leo XIV addressed the young participants and prayed for peace in places continuing to experience violence. The program closed with the Lord’s Prayer, the sign of peace, an apostolic blessing and a performance of “Amazing Grace” by Bocelli and the choir.

Vatican Media Leon XIV Andrea Bocelli ABF.

Pope Leo XIV said:

“Remember that you have been created for great things and that the whole world is not enough to satisfy your thirst for meaning and happiness.”

Maestro Andrea Bocelli, founder of ABF, said:

“Every voice carries with it a story, a heritage and a hope,”

“When so many voices come together, from afar and from such diverse life experiences, something happens that goes beyond singing: the possibility to recognize one another, to listen to one another, to feel less distant from one another. Music has this gift. It does not erase differences, but transforms them into harmony.”

Culture as Common Ground

“Canticle of Peace” brought 164 voices together before the Pontiff in Castel Gandolfo, pairing a cultural program with a message of connection across diverse life experiences. For Banvelca Foundation, the event offered a clear expression of its support for programs that connect young people through culture.