All about Jelly Roll’s Vatican debut: From meeting Pope Leo to performing at the Grace for the World concert

Jelly Roll made a big moment in his life on September 13, 2025, when he performed at a concert in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. He also met Pope Leo XIV, and this was a special event.

He sang "Hard Fought Hallelujah," a song he did with Brandon Lake. Jelly posted pictures of himself shaking hands with the Pope. He captioned the photo,

"From rock bottom to holy ground."

He also included a Bible verse: Matthew 18:20,

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

The Vatican concert and Jelly Roll’s performance

The concert is called Grace for the World: The Live Event in Rome. It took place in St. Peter’s Square, and this is the first concert in that venue in about 2,000 years. The concert was directed by Pharrell Williams and Andrea Bocelli. Many well-known artists also performed, including Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Karol G, Teddy Swims, Angélique Kidjo, and the Choir of the Diocese of Rome.

When it was Jelly's turn on stage, he sang Hard Fought Hallelujah with strong feeling. His performance got praise. Brandon Lake, his collaborator, wrote in the comments on social media:

"Crushed it! This is what our world needs right now more than ever. Thanks for leading us Jelly!"

Jelly Roll’s visit included a meeting with Pope Leo XIV, and he even shared photos of himself with the Pope. He looked happy and proud.

Jelly Roll’s background

Jelly Roll had a hard past, as he was arrested many times. He had charges for drug-related issues and other crimes. When he was 16, he was arrested for aggravated robbery, and he was charged as an adult. He served over a year in prison and also had probation for many years.

Because of those past felonies, some countries would not let him enter before. He said he could not tour internationally for a time. He has spoken about "legal puzzles" that needed to be solved so he could perform outside the US. Now, performing in Vatican City is a milestone for him. It is a sign that those past legal hurdles are easing. It also shows him growing as an artist and a person who shares his faith. Jelly has been open about his faith in music in songs like Son of a Sinner and Jesus Hear My Cry.

Jelly Roll’s life story includes many falls. But he also shows many moments of hope. This meeting with the Pope and singing at the Vatican are such moments. Fans and collaborators see this as a sign of transformation, both personal and public.

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This Vatican event is also tied to Jelly Roll’s recent tour work. He has toured in Europe with Post Malone. That tour had dates in London and other places. Jelly says his faith is a driving force in his life now. He says he believes strongly and that he tries to live each day with purpose. Meeting Pope Leo XIV and being at St. Peter’s Square fit into that belief. It is a symbolic moment for him.

In all, Jelly Roll’s Vatican performance and meeting with Pope Leo XIV are important. They mark a turning point as they show he has come from past mistakes. They show he now has a chance to be heard in more places. They show that his faith and music are reaching more people.

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