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Bob Dylan, Wearing Hoodie, Meets Pope
Pope Leo XIV met Bob Dylan in a private audience at the Vatican on 4 November, bringing together the famously private musician and a pontiff who has shown interest in his work. The meeting drew attention partly because Dylan arrived in a black hoodie with the hood up, and partly because Leo had previously welcomed Patti Smith.
Vatican photographs showed Dylan signing a book for the Pope. Raised Jewish, Dylan converted to evangelical Christianity in 1978 and released several Christian albums, though he later reduced the religious focus of his performances; he also played at a 1997 concert honouring Pope John Paul II. Leo quoted Dylan’s little-known 1963 anti-nuclear lyric “Go Away You Bomb” in the preface to an anthology of his speeches.
In short
- Pope Leo XIV held a private audience with Bob Dylan at the Vatican.
- Dylan wore a black hoodie and signed a book for the Pope.
- Leo has quoted a little-known Dylan lyric about nuclear weapons.
Explained simply
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter whose songs have shaped popular music since the 1960s. He is known for keeping his private life out of public view, while his lyrics have often addressed political and religious themes.
Dylan was raised Jewish and became an evangelical Christian in 1978, later recording several albums focused on Christianity. He has also performed at events connected with the Catholic Church, including a 1997 concert honouring Pope John Paul II.
Pope Leo XIV leads the Catholic Church and has referred to Dylan’s writing in a book of his speeches. Leo has also welcomed musician Patti Smith, reflecting an interest in the connections between music, culture and faith.