Patti Smith Meets Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

An Encounter Woven from Words and Music

On Friday, July 31, 2026, Patti Smith visited the Apostolic Palace for a private encounter with Pope Leo XIV. Smith, who has become an increasingly visible presence at the Vatican, appeared for the audience wearing her trademark braids and a crucifix necklace. Upon entering the room and sitting across from the pontiff at his desk, she greeted him softly with a breathy "Hi, hi."

This specific greeting was a deliberate reference to her 1979 song "Wave," a track that imagines a conversation with Pope John Paul I. That pope famously died in 1978 after a brief 33-day papacy, and the song begins with the same "Hi. Hi" uttered in the breathy voice Smith utilized on Friday. Pope Leo XIV immediately recognized the musical reference, as he was already familiar with the tune.

"That was marvelous."

— Pope Leo XIV

Following the meeting, Smith shared her reflections on the experience via Instagram, expressing her joy regarding the encounter. She noted that the meeting left her "giddy" and almost at a loss for words.

"This is a moment that shall forever produce a smile."

— Patti Smith

A Conversation Between Chicago Natives

The audience was arranged by Rev. Antonio Spadaro, the undersecretary in the Vatican’s culture ministry and a personal friend of the singer. Spadaro, who joined Smith for the audience on Friday, noted that both Smith and the Pope are Chicago natives. In a text message and subsequent social media posts, he described the 40-minute conversation as a deep connection between two individuals who shared a common background and vision.

"Two Americans. Two Chicagoans. Two remarkable figures whose voices speak hope to a divided world: the ‘priestess of rock,’ as [Smith] is often called, and the Holy Father, [Pope Leo XIV]. It was a long audience that felt more like a conversation between two people discovering they were old friends, sharing memories woven from words and music, dreams, visions, and hopes—both from yesterday and for today."

— Rev. Antonio Spadaro

Spadaro further elaborated on the atmosphere of the meeting, noting a "spark" that was lit when the doors opened. He described the time spent together as containing lighthearted moments alongside a profound sense of shared mission. At the conclusion of the audience, Smith reportedly said, "Bye. Bye."

"When that door opened, something happened… a spark was lit—one that came with a few lighthearted moments, but also with a profound sense of emotion and of a shared mission in this challenging world."

— Rev. Antonio Spadaro

History with the Vatican and Recent Activity

While Rock icon Patti Smith has clarified that she is not Catholic, she has expressed deep admiration for the papacy's leadership over the years. She was particularly drawn to Pope Francis for what she described as his "gentle, open, and steadfast sense of humanity." Smith previously met Pope Francis in 2013 and performed for him in 2014. Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, Smith honored him with a poem on social media, comparing the late pontiff to a dandelion.

"Nature and poetry and the suffering shall miss their champion."

— Patti Smith

In her tribute, she further described Francis as being "humble yet strong." Smith has also noted her affinity for Pope John Paul I, which inspired the aforementioned 1979 track "Wave."

Smith's draw to the current papacy stems from similar values she sees in Pope Leo XIV. Earlier this year, on May 8, 2026, Smith performed at the inauguration of the Holy See’s Pavilion at the Venice Biennale contemporary art fair. The date of this performance was significant as it marked the one-year anniversary of Pope Leo XIV's election. Her visit to the Vatican on Friday occurred just days after she had performed a concert in Rome.

The meeting with Smith marked the second time in a single week that Pope Leo XIV hosted a legendary figure from the music industry. On the Wednesday prior to his audience with Smith, the Pope attended a concert performed in his honor by the world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Artist Context

Patti Smith, who was formed in 1946, is a seminal figure in the Garage Rock and Punk Rock movements. Her work often bridges the gap between music and poetry, and she has maintained a long-standing interest in spiritual and humanitarian themes throughout her career.