Laura Pausini Honored with Global Icon Award at the Vatican

10:49, 13 November

Edited by: Inna Horoshkina One

LAURA PAUSINI receives the Global Icon Award at the Vatican and meets Pope Leone XIV

Italian vocalist Laura Pausini was honored with the prestigious Global Icon Award by Billboard Italia during a special event held at the Vatican on November 12, 2025. The historic nature of the occasion was amplified by the presence of Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized music's role as a unifying force across cultures, generations, and spiritual traditions.

During the ceremony, Pausini presented a unique musical offering to the Pontiff: an unreleased rendition of “Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna.” This composition drew inspiration from the “Canticle of the Creatures” by St. Francis of Assisi, serving as a powerful symbol of brotherhood, reverence for nature, and profound love for creation.

Pope Leo XIV revealed his long-standing appreciation for the singer, noting he had followed her career since her landmark triumph at Sanremo in 1993. He also humorously added that his secretary, the Peruvian priest Edgardo Ivan Rimaycuna, is her “greatest fan in Latin America.”

This recent accolade reflects the immense scale of the artist's international influence and enduring legacy. Her career achievements are staggering, cementing her status as a global powerhouse:

Over 75 million records sold

More than 6 billion streams

Currently the most-streamed Italian female artist worldwide

Pausini has also broken significant barriers throughout her career:

She was the first Italian woman to receive a Grammy

She remains the only Italian female artist ever featured on the Billboard Hot 100 chart

She secured victory at the Sanremo 1993 festival

She is the recipient of a “Golden Globe” for Best Original Song

Even with these monumental achievements, Pausini continues to be recognized as one of the most respected and recognizable artists across both Europe and Latin America.

Global Recognition in 2025

The Vatican award marks the second major victory for the singer this year. Earlier in October, Pausini was presented with the Icon Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards 2025, an honor personally bestowed upon her by the artist Osuna.

Furthermore, during the same Vatican event, Billboard Italia presented Pope Leo XIV with a commemorative plaque. This gesture acknowledged his unwavering support for dialogue and peace achieved through the arts—an effort that perfectly aligns with Pausini’s own mission.

Upcoming Engagement: Billboard Women in Music 2025

Pausini’s next significant milestone will be her participation in the Italian session of Billboard Women in Music, scheduled to take place at UFO Milano from November 25–28, 2025. The event, themed “Intersections,” will commence on November 25th, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Pausini is set to be a central figure in the program, continuing her advocacy for music as a vital space for empathy, dialogue, and empowerment.

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