With the recent passing of Pope Francis, the world says goodbye not only to a charismatic spiritual leader, but also to a man who deeply valued art as an expression of the soul. Among the many forms of music he embraced, flamenco —with its intensity, emotion, and authenticity— found a special place in his papacy.
A Pope Who Listened to the Voice of the People
Francis, the first Latin American pope, loved tango, but he also recognized the spiritual power of flamenco. For him, flamenco was the cry of the people — a pain that turns into beauty and shared hope.
Miguel Poveda and the “Concert for Peace”
One of the most touching moments in Pope Francis’s relationship with flamenco came in 2019, when Miguel Poveda was received at the Vatican during the launch of the “Concert for Peace”, promoted by the Starlite Foundation and Scholas Occurrentes. This event, later held at Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium, brought flamenco to the forefront as a symbol of cultural unity.
Vicente Amigo: A Guitar That Speaks to the Spirit
In 2023, flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo joined a unique gathering of international artists with Pope Francis in the Sistine Chapel. The Pope highlighted art as a path to beauty and hope — a message perfectly echoed in Vicente’s expressive flamenco guitar.
Gitano Song at the Vatican
In 2015, Pope Francis welcomed thousands of Roma people to the Vatican. Spanish flamenco singer María José Santiago, accompanied by Paco Cepero, performed two songs honoring Blessed Ceferino Giménez Malla. After singing, she embraced the Pope and said: “Spain loves you.”
The “Flamenco Priest” Dancing the Gospel
Inspired by Pope Francis’s call to announce the Gospel with joy, Spanish priest José Planas, also known as the “flamenco priest”, began incorporating singing and dancing into his liturgies. His lively celebrations draw large crowds and show the Church’s connection to cultural roots.
FLAMENCO & FAITH on ALL FLAMENCO
At ALL FLAMENCO, we proudly celebrate this legacy. Flamenco is a form of prayer, of mourning, of joy. And Pope Francis knew it. His embrace of Roma music, Spanish culture, and popular tradition stands as a testament to intercultural dialogue.
🎬 Interested in special programs on spiritual or religious flamenco? Let us know. We’d love to honor his legacy on screen, too.