A Catholic rave for “everyone, everyone, everyone” in Buenos Aires

120 years ago, on April 18th, a massive earthquake shook San Francisco. Today, April 18, 2026, Catholic priest Guilhermeto shake Buenos Aires – in honor of Pope Francis. The Portuguese DJ, who takes to the stage wearing the high collar typical of priests and is known for combining techno music with quotes from Catholic figures, announced on his Instagram account: “It will be an evening full of music, encounters, and gratitude for life.” And that's exactly how it was!

The afternoon was heavenly, more spring-like than autumnal. A clear sky and mild warmth, which persisted even as dusk fell, welcomed the people of all ages who had gathered near the Buenos Aires Cathedral. This was the place that the then Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Bergoglio, so often traversed on foot, usually arriving by subway and wandering around without security or escort.

It's April 18th, and since 6 p.m., Avenida de Mayo in Buenos Aires has been a pedestrian zone. Jorge Macri , the mayor of CABA (the abbreviation for Argentina's autonomous capital), has done everything in his power: installing portable toilets, deploying cleaning and security personnel, and organizing drinking areas and meeting points. LED screens and loudspeaker systems were set up at several strategic locations along Avenida de Mayo and in the adjacent streets so that everyone could see the stage and hear the concert, even if they weren't nearby. And there really was no chance of getting any closer. Plaza de Mayo was packed long before 5 p.m.

At 8 p.m., all the screens recalled Pope Francis, his statements, his gestures, and the words he had dedicated to young people, encouraging them to get involved and fight for their ideals. Finally, the Argentinian Pope, who had never returned to his homeland after his appointment, met with his faithful in a celebration entirely in keeping with his style. In the streets, rich and poor, left and right, Catholics and agnostics mingled. A broad call to enjoy and share, to celebrate life and music.

After a 30-minute, emotional tribute almost a year after his death (Pope Francis died on April 21 in Santa María, Rome), the music started, and the 200,000 attendees of the rave began to move to the rhythm of the electronic music. The pulsating light of the lasers illuminated the trees of the avenue, giving it a festive atmosphere. There wasn't much room to dance properly, but everyone was respectful of each other's personal space. Fans helped to cope with the increasing heat, which didn't stop the crowd from singing along to songs like "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen, "Ameno" by Era, and "Nueva York" by Bad Bunny. The final "Gloria" was magnificent.

Father Guilherme is 51 years old. At the beginning of his career, he was a military chaplain, accompanying soldiers in Afghanistan and other war zones. In 2006, he began giving concerts that served a dual purpose: to introduce young people to the Church and to raise funds for his parish. His international breakthrough came in 2023 during World Youth Day in Lisbon. Before Pope Francis celebrated Mass before a million young people, Father Guilherme presented a show in which faith and electronic music were freely intertwined. Everyone was thrilled, especially the Pope, who blessed his headphones.

His 2026 tour includes the cities of Seville, London, Barcelona, ​​Guatemala City, Madrid, Blagnac , and Nantes . An internationally renowned and highly sought-after personality, he took time out of his busy schedule to give a free concert on the streets of Buenos Aires. This was a testament to the outstanding work of the Miserando NGO , dedicated to social assistance and supported by the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires

Thank you so much, Jorge Macri, for ensuring the event had the setting it deserved, and a very special thank you to Father Guilherme. We hope to welcome you back again soon!