World’s Leading Thinkers Convene at Vatican Ahead of First-Ever Pop Performance + Video

According to Rokna, the Vatican made history this week by hosting a unique event that combined a global summit on artificial intelligence with the first-ever pop concert in St. Peter’s Square. The initiative aimed to foster dialogue on the ethical development of AI while promoting cultural unity through music.

The summit on “human fraternity” brought together Nobel laureates, global thinkers, and technology experts, including Will.i.am, Geoffrey Hinton, Max Tegmark, and Marco Trombetti. Discussions focused on the societal implications of AI, stressing the importance of building technology that benefits humanity, encourages innovation, and bridges global divides.

Following the summit, an unprecedented public concert, co-directed by American singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, captivated thousands in St. Peter’s Square. The performance featured international stars such as John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Karol G, and K-pop artist BamBam. The concert was live-streamed worldwide, making it accessible to a global audience via platforms including Disney+, Hulu, and ABC News Live.

Pope Leo XIV addressed participants, emphasizing the need to develop new forms of social charity and urging attendees to see the “image of God in the face of the poor, the refugee, and even the adversary.” The dual event highlighted the Vatican’s role as a convening power in both technological innovation and cultural expression.

By combining intellectual discourse with an artistic spectacle, the Vatican has created a model for engaging the public on critical global issues, demonstrating how science, ethics, and culture can intersect to inspire collective action and social progress.