Sacred Music Opens Hearts to God, Says Pontiff

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 19, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Sacred art and music help man to open his heart to God, says Benedict XVI.

This was the message the Pope gave to the organizers and musicians of the fifth international festival Pro Musica e Arte Sacra, which ended today in St. Peter's Basilica with Mozart's Coronation Mass, K. 317.

The Mass was presided over by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra resounded the Austrian composer's notes, under the direction of Leopold Hager.

Later, at the midday Angelus in St. Peter's Square, the Pope greeted the musicians to applaud the event and said: "The beauty and grandeur of the faith resound in spiritual music and sacred art."

He added: "Music and art touch our senses and help us to open our spirit and heart to God and his Word."