The late Pope Francis, a prominent figure and leader of one of the most influential organizations globally, shared a passion that resonates deeply with many: a profound love for music. His affinity for classical music was particularly noteworthy. In a revealing conversation with Father Antonio Spadaro, the editor of the renowned Jesuit publication La Civilta Cattolica, he discussed his musical preferences in 2013, showcasing his deep appreciation for this art form.

Pope Francis expressed his admiration for Mozart, stating, “Among musicians I love Mozart, of course.” He highlighted the unmatched beauty of the “Et incarnatus est” from Mozart’s Mass in C minor, declaring it a piece that transcends the ordinary and elevates the soul towards God. The Pope particularly cherished Clara Haskil’s interpretations of Mozart, emphasizing how the music profoundly fulfills him. He also acknowledged his admiration for Beethoven, appreciating his works in a unique, Promethean manner, with Furtwängler as his preferred interpreter. Additionally, he expressed his affinity for Bach’s Passions, especially the poignant “Erbarme Dich” from the St. Matthew Passion, which captures the emotional depth of Peter’s tears. His musical tastes also included the grand compositions of Wagner, though he enjoyed them selectively. Among his favorites is the legendary performance of Wagner’s Ring Cycle by Furtwängler at La Scala in Milan in 1950, which he considers unparalleled, alongside Knappertsbusch’s rendition of Parsifal in 1962.

With such a profound knowledge of music, it is no surprise that Pope Francis was spotted at a record store named Stereosound in Rome back in January 2022. The store owner noted that the Pope frequented this shop whenever he was in town for Church duties, highlighting his dedication to exploring the realm of music. A video capturing this memorable event is available for viewing below, showcasing the Pope’s genuine interest.

Reports from Reuters indicated that during his visit, the Pope left with a classical CD, although the specific title remains a mystery. The shop owner described the Holy Father as someone who is not merely a casual listener but is truly passionate about music, demonstrating a deep appreciation that extends beyond the surface.

Just how extensive is this passion? It has been revealed that Pope Francis possesses an impressive collection of approximately 2000 CDs. Following his visit to the record store, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, who served as the President of the Pontifical Council for Culture at that time, shared insights with La Civilta Cattolica about the Pope’s vast music library. While the majority of his collection consists of classical music, it also includes works by Edith Piaf, lively Argentinian tango music, and even a 25-disc anthology of Elvis Presley’s Gospel songs. This diverse array of musical tastes paints a vivid picture of a man whose love for music transcends genres and eras.