Lumen Pueri choir resonates before Pope Leo XIV and 40,000 people at the Olympic Stadium of Barcelona
The choir Lumen Pueri of the Catalan Federation, specially formed by current and former singers from its various choirs, delivered one of the musical highlights of the prayer vigil presided over by the Pontiff, accompanied by the Barcelona Youth Symphony Orchestra.
The Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona hosted a massive prayer vigil presided over by Pope Leo XIV, bringing together nearly 40.000 people. Among the evening’s most notable performances, the choir Lumen Pueri made its debut before the Pontiff, presenting a carefully prepared repertoire in an acoustically and emotionally demanding setting.
The Lumen Pueri project was created as an initiative of the Catalan Federation of Pueri Cantores after being entrusted with the musical programme for this historic event. To meet the scale of the papal visit, the Federation decided to establish a choir specifically for the occasion, bringing together current members of its various choirs with former singers who joined the project.
Six Weeks of Rehearsals for a Top-Level Challenge
Under the musical direction of Marta Torrents, the ensemble was formed in record time, with just six weeks of intensive rehearsals to prepare a highly demanding programme. On stage at Montjuïc, the choir performed alongside the Barcelona Youth Symphony Orchestra (JOSB), conducted by Carlos Checa, sharing both the programme and the stage with other ensembles and artists such as the Montserrat Boys’ Choir and Sergio Dalma before Pope Leo XIV.
Beyond the technical and vocal coordination, Lumen Pueri’s greatest achievement was creating a space where the experience of former singers and the enthusiasm of current members came together to share an unforgettable experience at the stadium.
A Bridge to the Future for the Federation
What began as a response to a one-off commission for the papal visit has become one of the most enriching experiences in the Federation’s recent history. The Board of Pueri Cantores of Catalonia expressed its gratitude for the dedication and commitment of the musical director, the Youth Symphony Orchestra, and every member who answered the call. The success of Lumen Pueri demonstrates the talent, preparation, and vitality of the choral network that Pueri Cantores has built over the years in Catalonia.
Choirs of the Catalan Federation of Pueri Cantores Take Part in the Mass and Blessing of the Sagrada Família with Pope Leo XIV
Our singers formed the children’s choir together with the Montserrat Boys’ Choir, among others, as part of a grand ensemble of 600 voices accompanying the celebration presided over by the Pontiff.
The Basilica of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona experienced one of the most moving and solemn days in its history with the celebration of the Mass and the blessing of the church presided over by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The musical programme was one of the event’s highlights thanks to a magnificent choir of 600 voices from different choirs across Catalonia.
Within this large ensemble, the children’s choir was formed by the choirs of the Catalan Federation of Pueri Cantores and the Montserrat Boys’ Choir, among others, who combined their talents to provide vocal accompaniment of remarkable beauty and clarity in an unforgettable setting.
A Musical Challenge from the Choir Galleries
Positioned in the choir galleries of the basilica, the singers performed the liturgical repertoire specially prepared for the occasion, accompanying the various moments of the celebration and the blessing before thousands of faithful gathered both inside and outside the church.
The preparation and coordination of an ensemble of this scale required months of intensive work from the conductors and singers of our choirs, who demonstrated impeccable discipline and vocal quality from the heights of Gaudí’s basilica.
“Sharing both space and song from the choir galleries with the Montserrat Boys’ Choir and so many other singers in a choir of 600 voices before the Pope has been an unforgettable experience for our boys and girls.” – Director of one of the Pueri Cantores choirs
Faith, Formation, and Teamwork
The presence of Pueri Cantores at an event of this magnitude highlights the capacity, technical preparation, and commitment of our choirs. The collaborative work carried out has shown that music is a channel of fraternal unity among the different choral organisations of our country.
The Catalan Federation wishes to congratulate all the singers, conductors, and families for their dedication and for bringing the voice of Pueri Cantores to one of the most significant moments in the recent history of our Church.
