Pope Francis declares Omar Harfouch is a pilgrim of peace

  Gulf Network

A major premiere last night at the Vatican! Omar Harfouch had the privilege and honor of playing his Concerto for Peace in the Vatican's Apostolic Library, in the Salon Sistino, a sacred space that never welcomes the public and in which no event or concert has ever been performed, and had the immense privilege of being the very first personality to receive the Vatican's Jubilee 2025 Pontifical Medal, struck by Pope Francis. The medal, which is a reproduction of a coin that St. Peter carried with him to his grave, is a true symbol of peace and hope.

Accompanied by the symphony orchestra, Omar Harfouch, who was welcomed by Monsignor Vincenzo Zani, conveyed his message of peace to the world's leading library representatives.

In his speech, Monsignor Vincenzo Zani recalled:

“The Vatican Apostolic Library is very pleased to welcome this evening, together with the heads of the world's most important libraries, for the first time in this historic venue, a concert by Omar Harfouch. I extend to him my warmest greetings and sincere thanks”. 

Before performing, Omar Harfouch also said a few words, emotionally affirming: 

“I would like to recall that Pope Francis said a phrase: “We must all work for peace by any means.” This phrase forms the basis of the music we're going to play for you this evening. Everyone must try to do whatever they can to help promote peace.

This is the first time we've played this Concerto for Peace in such a sacred place. We're going to try to speak to your hearts, and we hope that this appeal will cross borders. Because this appeal will be launched from the Vatican, which is very symbolic.”

After these poignant words, Omar Harfouch performed his Concerto for Peace for some twenty minutes. Warmly applauded at the end of his performance, Omar Harfouch was then treated to a few surprises.

The fact that Omar Harfouch is the very first person to receive this medal, which will mark the Vatican's Jubilee 2025, the biggest event in the Catholic Church next year, testifies to the extent to which the pianist and composer's message of peace is heard and welcomed in the most sacred sphere. 

As Monsignor Zaini expressed when presenting the medal to the pianist and composer, Pope Francis himself declared Omar Harfouch to be a pilgrim of peace. Perhaps the best possible compliment for Omar Harfouch, whose message of peace could not have hoped for better recognition.