CATHOLIC PRIEST SIDE HUSTLING AS DJ GOT POPE LEO XIV TO APPEAR AT RAVE
A Portuguese priest named Guilherme Peixoto rose to prominence not for what happens inside his church, but for what happens after the temple doors close for the day, and his passion for music shows through. After experimenting with combining electronic music with holy melodies, he has become a well-known DJ who tours the world, earning praise from Pope Leo XIV himself.
Peixoto, who became a priest in 1999, served as a parish priest in Laundos, northern Portugal. He also worked as a military chaplain in Afghanistan, organising social gatherings and DJing for troops. Back at home, he continued to hone his talents by attending DJ courses. Unfortunately, the pandemic halted the fundraising efforts that had transformed his church into a club. His efforts culminated in weekly DJ sets via livestream, which drew listeners from all around the world.
The priest, known as Padre Guilherme, was drawn to electronic music and rave culture because they are inclusive and friendly, bringing people from all walks of life together. In turn, he has discovered a fresh and innovative way to communicate his beliefs and share a message of compassion and unity. His musical experiments have also brought him closer to other cultures, as he has integrated regional hymns in several languages into his performances.
Peixoto now organises a music festival in Laundos and performs at the best nightclubs and raves throughout the world. One of his most popular performances was in Slovakia, when thousands of people gathered to celebrate Archbishop Mons. Bernard Bober's 75th birthday. In addition to presenting his mixes to a young throng braving the cold, he had a special guest: Pope Leo XIV, who had always supported creative outlets.
Pope Leo XIV appeared in a video message during Peixoto's performance. "With joy, I greet you as you gather before this wonderful cathedral in Košice, which is a pulsating heart of faith and hope," he added. "Coming from different countries yet united by the same religion, your presence is a real sign of the fraternity and peace implanted in our hearts by friendship with Christ." The message will be featured on a future tune issued by Peixoto's label Luxa Eterna Records.
It's not the first time Peixoto has received papal clearance. Padre Guilherme had an appointment with Pope Francis in 2019, and used the opportunity to gift him a t-shirt from his musical effort.