Vatican Lights Up with Historic Drone Show at “Grace for the World” Concert

Vatican City, September 14, 2025. St. Peter’s Square lit up in a stunning display on Saturday night as thousands came together for Grace for the World, a concert marking the end of the third World Meeting on Human Fraternity. The event mixed music, technology, and timeless Christian art to celebrate peace and global unity.

For the first time ever, a drone light show took place above the Vatican. Over 3,000 drones created bright images in the night sky, including the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, a glowing dove representing peace, and the Pietà. The cherished Marian icon Salus Populi Romani, which Pope Francis loves, also appeared in shining formation.

The musical program brought emotional depth to the evening. Andrea Bocelli and American singer Teddy Swims moved the audience with a powerful performance of Amazing Grace, while Colombian star Karol G delivered a gospel-inspired version of her song Mientras me curo el cora before joining Bocelli for a duet of Vivo per lei.

The concert reflected the main themes of the World Meeting on Human Fraternity, which united global leaders, activists, and Nobel Peace Prize winners to discuss peace, technology, care for the environment, and intercultural dialogue. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, opened the evening by emphasizing the event as a symbol of resilience and a call to “build bridges in the midst of shadows.”

Speeches from Nobel laureates like Kailash Satyarthi, Graça Machel, and Nadia Murad highlighted the urgent need to end conflict, violence, and injustice. Their messages reinforced the gathering’s vision of human fraternity as both a spiritual ideal and a practical necessity.

The night closed with a sense of unity rarely seen in St. Peter’s Square. The mix of sacred art, modern technology, and international music created a historic moment for the Vatican, showcasing faith, creativity, and global solidarity bright against the Roman sky.