Pope Leo makes surprise visit to children\u2019s Christmas concert at Castel Gandolfo school Pope Leo XIV enjoyed a special Christmas concert this week dedicated to him by students of the Paul VI Pontifical School in Castel Gandolfo. During his surprise visit to the school, which has about 300 students, the Holy Father listened attentively to the children and applauded enthusiastically at the end of their concert. The pontiff delivered an impromptu greeting to the children, who sang Christmas carols in several languages for him. \u201cIt was wonderful to hear the Christmas carols in Italian, Latin, English, and Spanish,\u201d he said at the end of the concert, as reported by Vatican News. \u201cHearing these children sing like this in all these languages \u200b\u200bhelps us understand how Christmas awakens in the hearts of all of us a joy, a peace, a truly important message,\u201d he said. The performance took place in the school gymnasium and was also attended by parents and teachers, as well as the bishop of Albano, Vincenzo Viva, and the president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, Archbishop Giordano Piccinotti. The pope thanked the school for the invitation and said the children \u201chave brought love to everyone tonight with this beautiful music.\u201d As is his custom, he referred to St. Augustine, noting that the saint from Hippo said that \u201c\u2018he who loves, sings,\u2019 because his heart truly knows what is important.\u201d \u201cAnd God has wanted to communicate to all of us the gift of love: This is Christmas, God who wanted to draw near to us, especially to the little ones. May this spirit that we are already celebrating tonight, and in the coming days and at Christmas, and perhaps throughout the entire year, allow us to feel and live this love of Christmas,\u201d said the Holy Father, who concluded his brief address on Dec. 16 with an invitation to \u201cproclaim peace, love, and unity in the world.\u201d Pope Leo XIV, who wore an enormous smile on his face, took a few moments to greet the children and their families. They gave him a tennis racket because he plays tennis, a sport he loves and has been playing for years. Before returning to the Vatican after his weekly visit to the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, the pope toured the grounds of the Catholic elementary school, which was founded in 1968 by St. Paul VI and houses a relic of the saint. This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted 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 Almudena Mart\u00ednez-Bordi\u00fa 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 Here is the miracle that now paves the way for Pier Giorgio Frassati\u2019s canonization Pope Leo XIV speaks to 1 million youth at jubilee: \u2018Stay with us, Lord\u2019 What is being discussed during the first week of the Synod on Synodality? Pope Francis reads Ukrainian student\u2019s moving testimony of faith at general audience Pope Francis announces prayer vigil, day of fasting for peace in Israel-Hamas war Pope Francis: St. Kateri Tekakwitha is an example of patience in suffering<\/p>\n