Pope Leo XIV meets music legend Bob Dylan in private Vatican audience

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 05, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV welcomed legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan to the Vatican on Wednesday, November 4, for a private meeting that brought together two prominent figures with a shared interest in music, spirituality and peace.

Dylan, 85, arrived at the Apostolic Palace dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt, drawing attention in photographs released by Vatican Media.

According to Vatican News, the encounter was brief and consisted of greetings and a few lighthearted exchanges. The Vatican did not disclose details of their private conversation.

The two also exchanged gifts. Pope Leo presented Dylan with a rosary, while the musician gave the pontiff a copy of his autobiography, Chronicles: Volume One.

The meeting comes months after the pope referenced Dylan’s 1963 anti-nuclear protest song, “Go Away You Bomb,” in the preface of his book, Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift. The song, which was never officially released, carries a message against nuclear weapons and the threat of war.

Dylan is currently in Italy for the European leg of his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour, with performances scheduled in several cities, including Rome.

The Nobel Prize-winning musician has previously met a pope. In 1997, he performed before Pope John Paul II during a gathering of young people in Bologna, Italy. The pontiff later referenced Dylan’s well-known song “Blowin’ in the Wind” in his address.

Dylan received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016 in recognition of his contributions to American song tradition.

The Vatican meeting highlights the longstanding connection between music and messages of faith, peace and social reflection, themes that have also featured prominently in Dylan’s decades-long career.