Michael Bublé is giving glory to God for the gift of music — and for the chance to share that gift in one of the holiest places on earth. The Grammy-winning singer met with Pope Leo XIV ahead of performing at the Vatican’s annual “Concert for the Poor,” describing the experience as one of the greatest moments of his life.

“This morning, I had the opportunity to meet the Holy Father,” Bublé, 50, told reporters during a Vatican press conference on Friday. “For me, this was something that I knew was going to be one of the greatest moments of my life.” The Canadian crooner, known for his soulful voice and heartfelt Christmas classics, said he considers music itself a divine blessing. “Music is a gift from God,” he said. “When I hear music, I hear the voice of God.”

Bublé said he felt humbled to be chosen to perform at the Vatican’s annual event, which dedicates thousands of seats to the poor, homeless, and those living in distress. “In a small way, I am humbled that I would be chosen out of so many, so many who deserve or should be able to have this opportunity,” he shared. “I get to come, and I get to spread the good word.”

Reflecting on the concert’s theme, which he described as “a concert with the poor,” Bublé emphasized the connection between faith and hardship. “Suffering brings you closer to God,” he said. “Sometimes, God gives you different things for different reasons, and it’s not always the things you ask for, but the things that you need.”

The Haven’t Met You Yet singer said the Christmas performance was about far more than entertainment. “Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ and the sacrifice that allows all of us to have eternal life,” he told the Vatican press corps. “For me, it’s not all about presents and coffee. It really is about being able to come and be part of the good word.”

When asked if Pope Leo XIV had requested any songs, Bublé smiled and said, “I asked the Vatican if there were songs the Holy Father wanted to hear. They said ‘Ave Maria’ and others, and I’m going to do my best not to disappoint.”

Bublé’s Catholic faith, he said, has been deeply woven into his life since childhood. “My mom was my catechism teacher,” he recalled with a laugh. “I used to be so grumpy because I would finish school, and after school, she would say, ‘OK, now, catechism.'” That foundation, however, instilled in him a faith that guides every part of his life. “I have a wonderful personal relationship with God, and it doesn’t just affect my music; it affects everything I do, every decision I make,” he said.

The singer admitted that sharing faith openly in a skeptical culture isn’t always easy. “You can say anything, and no one will be shocked, but when you say that you have strong faith, this is shocking to people,” he said. “With the platform I have, my hope is that there’s a young person who might be afraid to share their faith, and they look at me and say, ‘Wow, he’s not afraid to share.’ Maybe it will give them the strength to do the same.”

As he prepared for the performance, Bublé summed up his motivation in simple terms: “Tomorrow night, when I show up, and I am on stage, the glory isn’t for me. It never was, it never will be. The glory is for God. Simple as that.”