Fact check: Did Pope Leo host a rave last week in Slovakia? Social media lit up last week with claims that Pope Leo XIV \u201cthrew a rave\u201d outside St. Elisabeth Cathedral in Ko\u0161ice, Slovakia. The viral stories included images of laser lights, electronic dance music, and a priest serving as DJ. But what really happened? Here\u2019s what you need to know. An outdoor electronic music event in front of the city\u2019s iconic 14th-century cathedral was organized by the Archdiocese of Ko\u0161ice to celebrate the Jubilee of Young People and the 75th birthday of Archbishop Bernard Bober. It took place on Nov. 8 and included a Mass celebrated by Bober, who is also the president of the Slovakian Episcopal Conference, with the apostolic nuncio to the country, Archbishop Nicola Girasoli. The main performer was Father Guilherme Peixoto, 51, a Portuguese priest and electronic music DJ, who led attendees in a mix of electronic and spiritual music. Peixoto also performed at the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon. \u201cElectronic music is a privileged way to build a better world,\u201d Peixoto has said. Catholic leaders in Ko\u0161ice also attended the event. Did the pope attend or host the rave? Contrary to sensational headlines, Pope Leo XIV did not throw or personally attend a rave. Instead, the pope appeared on large LED screens via a prerecorded video message, greeting the young people and offering his apostolic blessing: \u201cDear young people, with joy, I greet you, as you gather before the splendid cathedral of Ko\u0161ice, which is a beating heart of faith and hope. Coming from different nations, yet united by the same faith, your presence is a tangible sign of the fraternity and peace that is instilled in our hearts by friendship with Christ.\u201d What really happened? The DJ set blended techno music with fragments of the pope\u2019s message and performed an unreleased track, \u201cDear Young People,\u201d which included phrases spoken by Leo in his address. Lasers and lights lit up the cathedral, and the crowd \u2014 largely composed of young people \u2014 danced in celebration. According to press coverage at the time, the event aimed to connect faith with youth culture by \u201cpromoting inclusion, tolerance, and respect on the dance floor.\u201d The pope\u2019s video message included a final \u201camen,\u201d which was woven into the musical performance. While the Vatican supported the event, it was local clergy and the DJ priest who were hands-on organizers and hosts. CNA finds: Claims that \u201cthe pope hosted or threw a rave\u201d exaggerate the reality. The Vatican supported the event, the pope gave a prerecorded blessing, but the actual rave was organized and performed by Peixoto and the diocese in Ko\u0161ice. The pope did not attend in person nor DJ, but his message to young people and blessing were central to the celebration. This article was originally published by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Amira Abuzeid Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Pope proclaims Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati Saints Pope Leo XIV to families: Be missionaries of the Gospel who walk with other families Pope Francis: Last day of 2024 a time to reflect on the \u2018universal vocation\u2019 of Rome First known Nativity scene figurines are on display in Rome The Sistine Chapel: Renaissance gem dazzles clergy and laypeople alike Pope Francis \u2018deeply saddened,\u2019 expresses closeness with victims of Taiwan earthquake<\/p>\n