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Bob Dylan comes knockin’ on pope’s door as Leo welcomes legend to Vatican

NBC News • November 5, 2026 • general

Key Points:

Bob Dylan met briefly with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican during a break between his concert dates in Italy, exchanging gifts including a rosary from the pope and Dylan's autobiography from the singer.
Pope Leo XIV had previously quoted Dylan's unpublished 1963 protest song "Go Away You Bomb" in his 2026 book warning against nuclear arms, highlighting Dylan's influence on the pontiff's peace message.
Dylan, known for his deep engagement with religious themes and a 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature, showed familiarity with St. Augustine, a key figure in Pope Leo's spirituality, even referencing him in his 1967 song "I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine."
The meeting was facilitated by Vatican officials including Rev. Antonio Spadaro and Andrea Monda, who noted Dylan's longstanding cultural and spiritual significance, including past performances for Pope John Paul II.
Dylan, who has evolved in his religious expression over decades, continues to blend his music and faith, as reflected in his recent concert performances and his private spiritual practices shared in interviews.

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