Pope Leo XIV Makes Surprise Video Appearance at ‘Church Rave’ in Slovakia
During a vibrant birthday celebration for Archbishop Bernard Bober at the historic St. Elizabeth Cathedral in Kosice, Slovakia, Pope Leo XIV delivered a surprise video address to a crowd of young people gathered for an electronic music event. The occasion marked the 75th birthday of the Archbishop, who is known for his progressive approach to Catholic teachings and his role in revitalizing church activities in the region.
The celebration was transformed into a concert-style event, complete with lasers, smoke effects, projection screens, and a DJ booth. The performance was led by Padre Guilherme, a globally recognized DJ known as the “DJ priest,” who blends techno music with sacred and folk elements in his shows. The Pope’s video message, which was shared on social media with the caption, “Electronic music, faith and Pope Leo XIV message,” quickly gained traction, becoming a viral sensation among fans of both faith and pop culture.
The footage captured the Pope’s appearance projected onto the cathedral walls as Padre Guilherme performed his unreleased single “Dear Young People” from his upcoming EP “Integral Ecology.” As the address played, the cathedral was illuminated with lasers, spotlights, and projection mapping, creating a visually striking atmosphere that blended religious and secular elements.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the 267th head of the Catholic Church earlier this year and is the first American to assume the role. Since the beginning of his papacy, the pontiff has emphasized the importance of cultural engagement and exploring new ways to promote religious values through the arts. His widely shared Letterboxd post listed his four favorite films: “The Sound of Music,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Ordinary People,” and “Life is Beautiful,” choices he said reflect “the best of the human spirit.” This event underscores his efforts to connect with younger generations and make the Church more accessible through modern cultural expressions.