Bob Dylan meets with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican

Bob Dylan visited Pope Leo XIV at his residence on Wednesday as part of the Vatican's effort to create a bridge between the Catholic Church and popular culture.

The 85-year-old musician visited the Apostolic Palace, where he exchanged gifts with the 71-year-old Pope.

According to Vatican News, Pope Leo presented Dylan with a rosary, while the singer gave the pontiff a copy of his autobiography, Chronicles: Volume One.

The Rev. Antonio Spadaro, a Vatican official, arranged the meeting. He also arranged the meeting between the Pope and musician Patti Smith earlier this year.

"It was hard not to feel the emotion of being part of an encounter that had a real sense of history about it," said Spadaro. "The feeling that at every step through the Apostolic Palace, absolutely anything could happen."

For Dylan, it was his second encounter with a pope. He previously performed a selection of songs for John Paul II in 1997.

His visit comes about three weeks after the American-born Pope returned home following lung cancer surgery.

He is currently touring Italy and is due to perform in Rome today as part of his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour.

 

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