Pope Leo XIV Blesses ‘Church Rave’ at Slovak Cathedral

Pope Leo XIV Blesses ‘Church Rave’ at Slovak Cathedral

Pope Leo XIV delivered a surprise video blessing during a rave event held outside St. Elizabeth Cathedral in Kosice, Slovakia, on November 8, 2025.

The celebration, organized to mark Archbishop Bernard Bober’s 75th birthday, featured electronic music, laser effects, and a DJ booth staffed by Padre Guilherme, an internationally recognized ‘DJ priest.’ The footage of the Pope’s message, shared via social media by the DJ, went viral and drew reactions from both fans and critics.

Padre Guilherme, known for his unique blend of techno music with sacred and folk elements, performed his unreleased single ‘Dear Young People,’ taken from his upcoming EP ‘Integral Ecology.’ The event’s atmosphere was enhanced by lasers, spotlights, and projection mapping, creating a visually striking experience for the audience.

While the Pope’s video message was a surprise element, it was well-received by many attendees and social media users. The event’s popularity highlights the growing intersection of faith and contemporary culture, with religious leaders exploring new ways to engage with younger generations through technology and the arts.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the 267th head of the Catholic Church earlier this year, making him the first American to lead the Church. Since taking office, the Pope has emphasized the importance of cultural engagement and the role of the arts in promoting religious values.

His recent Letterboxd post, which listed his favorite films including ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ ‘Ordinary People,’ and ‘Life is Beautiful,’ reflects his belief in the power of storytelling to convey the ‘best of the human spirit.’ The event in Kosice appears to be part of a broader effort to connect with younger audiences through modern, creative means.

As the Pope continues to explore innovative methods of religious outreach, the ‘church rave’ in Slovakia underscores a significant shift in how the Catholic Church approaches youth engagement in the digital age.