When Pope Francis signed a song of faith 

Pope Francis autographing the poster of the music album Sarvesha presented to him by musician Fr. Paul Poovathingal and violinist Manoj Goerge.

“Is this for me?” Pope Francis asked, reaching for a pen with a twinkle in his eye. That unforgettable moment lives on in the heart of Fr. Paul Poovathingal, popularly known as the singing priest, who had the rare honour of personally presenting his music album Sarvesha to the Pope.

The meeting with the Pope took place on November 14, 2024 at the Papal Hall in the Vatican, during an international seminar held by the Vatican. From 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m., Fr. Poovathingal, along with violinist and friend Manoj George, waited among a crowd of over 300 eager participants hoping for a glimpse of the Pope.

When their turn came, Fr. Poovathingal stepped forward and extended a copy of Sarvesha. The Pope, amused and curious, looked at him and asked: “Is this for me?” With a humble “yes” he handed over the album and Pope Francis received it with genuine joy, according to Fr. Poovathingal.

When asked if he could autograph a poster of the album, the Pope reached for the pen—playfully pretending to sign Fr. Poovathingal’s hand first—before breaking into a warm smile and signing the poster. He inquired about the musicians and offered his blessings with a gentle hand upon their heads.

“It felt like God Himself had come down to bless us,” Fr. Poovathingal recalled with emotion. “Those were sacred seconds etched forever in our lives.”

At 88, the Pope’s energy was awe-inspiring—meeting hundreds in a day with warmth and grace.

Sarvesha has won the Global Music Award.