Jennifer Hudson Will Headline Vatican’s ‘Concert With the Poor,’ With Pope Leo Scheduled to Attend

Jennifer Hudson will headline the upcoming “Concert With the Poor” at the Vatican, with Pope Leo scheduled to attend the annual event to be held Dec. 5 in the Holy See’s Paul VI Hall.

Now at its seventh edition, the “Concert With the Poor” will be performed in front of roughly 8,000 participants, including over 3,000 people in conditions of poverty and vulnerability who will receive a hot takeaway dinner after the event.

The EGOT-winning singer and actress’ participation at this concert “represents a special encounter between the great American musical tradition, spirituality, and the universal value of solidarity, in an evening where music becomes a message of hope, brotherhood and sharing,” said a statement issued by the event’s promoters, the Nova Opera ETS Foundation. Details of the concert setlist have not been disclosed.

The event will be broadcast live on Italian TV and streamed worldwide by major Catholic broadcasters.

Hudson will be accompanied by the Rome-based Nova Opera Orchestra and the choir of the Diocese of Rome, under the artistic direction of Mons. Marco Frisina, with special participation of Italian singer and actress Serena Autieri.

Michael Bublé headlined last year’s “Concert With the Poor” that was also attended by Pope Leo, marking the first time a pope attended the Vatican concert.

Hudson has previously performed at the Vatican on Sept. 13, 2025, as part of the “Grace for the World” concert in St. Peter’s Square to close the Jubilee year, singing alongside artists such as Andrea Bocelli and Jelly Roll.