St. Peter’s Square was transformed into a global stage on Saturday night as the Vatican hosted Grace for the World 2025, a spectacular two-hour concert that united cultures, generations, and musical styles in a powerful call for peace and fraternity.
The event marked the first time the Vatican held a large-scale public concert of this nature. Co-directed and executive produced by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and American superstar Pharrell Williams, with Grammy-winning producer Adam Blackstone as musical director, the concert showcased a rich mix of genres, including gospel, soul, hip-hop, pop, K-pop, and classical.
At the heart of the evening was a historic performance by Kunpimook Bhuwakul, known worldwide as BamBam, the only Thai artist invited to participate. The Bangkok-born K-pop singer and member of the South Korean boy band GOT7 delivered the world premiere of Angel in Disguise, an original composition dedicated to his mother.
“This is the Thai song I composed for my mother with love,” BamBam told LiCAS News. “And it’s going to have its world premiere at the Vatican.”
Accompanied by a full orchestra and choir, BamBam’s heartfelt vocals filled St. Peter’s Square, creating a deeply emotional moment for the tens of thousands present and for millions who followed the live broadcast around the world. The song will also be included on his first Thai-language EP, HOMETOWN, set for release on Oct. 10.
Before taking the stage, BamBam and other concert artists met Pope Leo XIV. Vatican Media captured images of the Thai artist and Jelly Roll warmly greeting the pope, a symbolic moment underscoring the event’s message of unity across cultures and religions.
The evening featured a star-studded lineup of international performers. Bocelli brought his signature spiritual gravitas, while Williams merged gospel and pop with the Voices of Fire choir. Other artists included John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Karol G, Jelly Roll, and Clipse, each adding their unique style to the diverse program.
The concert was part of the World Meeting on Human Fraternity 2025, organized by the Fratelli Tutti Foundation. For two days prior, world leaders, Nobel laureates, and activists from different nations gathered in roundtable discussions addressing global challenges and ways to foster peace. The music festival served as the meeting’s grand finale, translating its spirit of fraternity into a universal language.
The concert included a breathtaking aerial spectacle as more than 3,000 drones lit up the Vatican sky, forming dazzling images of peace, unity, and human solidarity. The combination of live performances and cutting-edge technology made for an unforgettable conclusion to the two-day gathering.
For Thailand, BamBam’s participation was a proud milestone, marking the first time a Thai artist had performed on such a prominent Vatican stage. His appearance not only highlighted his growing global influence but also showcased the power of Thai artistry to transcend cultural boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide.
Broadcast live globally, including through Catholic Social Communication of Thailand (CSCT), the Grace for the World 2025 concert will be remembered as a moment where music, faith, and humanity came together to send a resounding message: unity is possible through the harmony of voices.
