Sacred music is more than an accompaniment to the Mass. It is part of the Church’s prayer itself. That was one of the central themes discussed by Rome correspondent Ashley Noronha and Mark Swartzberg during a recent edition of Relevant in Rome.

Pope Leo XIV recently continued his catechesis on Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, by turning his attention to sacred music.

The Holy Father emphasized that music at Mass is not simply intended to beautify the liturgy or stir emotion. When sacred song is properly united to the words of the liturgy, it becomes an integral part of the Church’s worship and helps the faithful open themselves more fully to God’s grace.

Mark was particularly struck by Pope Leo’s reference to St. Augustine and the connection between singing and love. Ashley added that when an entire congregation sings together, many individual voices become one. In that unity, the Church’s nature as a communion of believers becomes visible.

That does not mean every Catholic needs to have a trained voice. What matters is the common prayer of the faithful.

Ashley also explained Pope Leo’s guidance on choosing music for Mass. Gregorian chant retains a privileged place in the Roman liturgy, while other forms of sacred music, including polyphony, also have an important role. The determining factor should not be popularity, fashion, or the personal preferences of musicians. Music should instead be appropriate to the particular moment of the liturgy, possess genuine musical quality, and encourage the participation of the faithful.

That places a particular responsibility on choirs and musicians. Ashley noted that Pope Leo described the choir’s role as ministerial. A choir can sing parts proper to itself, but it should also help the congregation participate rather than reduce those in the pews to an audience watching a performance.

Mark and Ashley also discussed another important element of Catholic worship: silence. Music does not need to fill every available moment of the Mass. Sacred silence has its own place in the liturgy, allowing the faithful to pray, reflect, and remain attentive to God.

The discussion offered a useful reminder for Catholics in the pews and those responsible for parish music alike. Whether through chant, sacred polyphony, congregational singing, or reverent silence, the purpose remains the same: the worship of God through the prayer of His Church.