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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – In a unique tribute to the late Pope Francis, a Portuguese Catholic priest known as Padre Guilherme took to the DJ booth in Buenos Aires, blending electronic music with spiritual homage one year after the pope’s passing.
Guilherme Peixoto, in his 50s, has gained international recognition by merging his priestly vocation with his passion for electronic music. On Saturday, at the historic Plaza de Mayo, he hosted a rave attracting a diverse crowd – from devoted Catholics to curious agnostics – all dancing under the glow of three large screens projecting images of Popes Francis and John Paul II alongside white doves.
With a simple message broadcast before his set-“God bless you, and let’s dance”-Peixoto, wearing his priest’s robes and headphones, spent two hours mixing techno beats with religious melodies, creating an atmosphere that was both festive and reverent.
Jesús Martín, a 54-year-old electronic music enthusiast from Spain, commented on the event’s accessibility: “This is a unique opportunity to see him, and it’s free. In places like Ibiza, it can cost hundreds or even thousands of euros to attend such performances.”
Padre Guilherme’s journey to global recognition began after his ordination in 1999, motivated by both faith and a promise made to God during a serious childhood illness. What started as a hobby-playing music at university events and parish fundraisers-slowly evolved.
Initially cautious due to concerns about church approval, his approach changed following Pope Francis’s ascent in 2013. Inspired by the pontiff’s encouragement to embrace new ways of reaching out and not to fear innovation, Peixoto pursued formal DJ training and began producing his own tracks.
His breakthrough came with performances at the 2023 World Youth Day and events connected to Pope Francis, which propelled him onto the international electronic music scene. Today, he boasts millions of followers on social media and regularly appears at major festivals and clubs worldwide.
Many attendees of Saturday’s event were unfamiliar with Peixoto’s background but appreciated the respectful blend of music and spirituality. Silvia Garaggiola, 60, shared, “I came to remember the Pope, and I find what he does very original, as long as it’s done respectfully.”
Peixoto’s playlist included original hits like “El Grano de Mostaza” alongside remixes of popular artists such as Bad Bunny and Queen, demonstrating his ability to fuse sacred themes with contemporary sounds.
Performing at venues from Spain’s Medusa Festival to Mexico’s Dreamfields and Ibiza’s renowned Hï Ibiza club, Padre Guilherme aims to reach young audiences often distant from organized religion. Amid the party atmosphere filled with smoke and laser lights, teenagers danced and mirrored his movements, engaging with a message of peace and coexistence.
Seventeen-year-old Ileana González, who identifies as non-religious, expressed her enjoyment: “It sounds really good. I have zero religion, but I’m having fun.”
In an era where the Catholic Church faces challenges related to modernization and credibility, especially among youth, Padre Guilherme carries forward Pope Francis’s mission to break down barriers and foster connection through innovative outreach.
Citing influences like English DJ Carl Cox and Italian-American artist Anyma, Peixoto said, “It’s incredibly important to make young people smile and help them find happiness beyond material possessions.”
Through his unique fusion of faith and music, Padre Guilherme continues to evangelize from behind the decks, creating spaces where spirituality and celebration coexist.