Inaugural Catholic Music Awards to Celebrate Faith-Based Artistry in Rome
The first-ever Catholic Music Awards will recognize talent and inspiration within contemporary religious music, culminating in a ceremony on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Rome. A press conference held on Saturday, July 26, at 11 am in Rome (3 am in Guatemala) at the Marconi room of Radio Vaticana, unveiled details of the event and highlighted the participation of Guatemalan nominees Juan Carlos Cevasco Reyes, Telma Beatriz Ruiz Álvarez, and Gabbriel Chitay.
A Global Celebration of Spiritual Expression
The awards aim to honor composers, singers, musicians, producers, engineers, and mixers whose work carries a positive message or inspires spiritual growth. With a total of 19 categories encompassing diverse genres, styles, and pastoral objectives, the awards will assess both artistic merit and spiritual impact. According to a statement released by Vatican News, organizers received an impressive 1,452 submissions from around the world, evaluated by a panel of 68 jurors.
Collaborative Effort Behind the Event
The inaugural awards are a collaborative effort organized by the Dicasterio for Communications, the Dicastery for Laity, Families and Life, the Dicastery for Evangelization, the Pontifical International Marian Academy, and the Ramón Pané Foundation. Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga opened the press conference with a video message, emphasizing the crucial role of the Ramón Pané Foundation in bringing the event to fruition.
Pope Leo XIV to Address Nominees
Nominees have been invited to attend a special gathering at 12 noon before the ceremony to hear remarks from Pope Leo XIV, who will address them during his Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square. This gesture underscores the Church’s support for artistic expression as a vehicle for faith.
Ceremony Details and Broadcast Information
The Catholic Music Awards ceremony will take place at the Auditorium of Conciliation in Rome, a venue known for its dedication to contemporary culture and the arts. The event is scheduled for 7 pm local time (11 am in Guatemala).
Viewers can watch the ceremony online via the awards’ social media channels. The official YouTube link for the broadcast is available [here]( ).
Supporting the Arts and the Awards
Organizers are encouraging the public to contribute financially through the awards’ official website, to help cover the costs associated with both in-person attendance and online streaming. “This is a tribute to all our singing brothers and sisters, in the name of the Catholic Church,” a representative stated.
Guatemalan Artists Shine on the International Stage
Guatemala is well-represented at the awards, with nominees competing in several categories, spanning Spanish, English, Italian, and Portuguese language divisions.
Best Female Singer
Telma Beatriz Ruiz Álvarez is nominated in the Best Female Singer category for her song, “My Jesus of Merced.” She is joined by fellow nominees Lupita Aguilar (Mexico), Miriam Fernández (Spain), Marcela Gael (Chile), and Aldana Canale (Argentina).
Best Mariana Song
Carolina Imperial will compete for the Best Mariana Song award with her track, “You never left my side.” Other nominees include Jaqui Lin (Spain), Firelei Silva (Venezuela), Swing de fe (Dominican Republic), Jorge and Cecy (Mexico), Sandra Rivero (Mexico), Lily Escu (Argentina), Doctor Ginés Alirio Millán (Venezuela), Colombian Band with God, Juan Carlos Restrepo (Colombia), Ana de Watts (Panama), and Juan Carlos Cevasco Reyes (Guatemala) with “Mother of Love.”
Best Urban Song
Gabbriel Chitay is a nominee in the Best Urban Song category for his song, “And what will you do?” He will be competing against Aisha Ruah (Spain), Miriam Fernández (Spain), Jessica Zuluaga (USA), Fuente de Gracia FG (Dominican Republic), and Project 67 (Dominican Republic).
The Catholic Music Awards promise to be a landmark event, celebrating the power of music to inspire faith and foster a deeper connection with the spiritual realm.
