Invitation from the Holy See — Yana Shemayeva performs the Ukrainian carol 'Bog Predvichnyi' at St. Peter's Basilica on 8 January 2026.
Jerry Heil performed at the official Vespers attended by Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on 8 January 2026 — the eve of Orthodox Christmas. This is the first-ever performance by a Ukrainian pop performer in the sacred residence of the Holy See. The invitation came personally from Pope Leo XIV in November 2025 through the mediation of Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, a Holy See diplomat. The performance programme consisted of three songs: 1) the carol 'Bog Predvichnyi' in classical arrangement (a cappella with the Vatican choir Cappella Giulia); 2) 'Teresa & Maria' in the original duet format with alyona alyona (who joined for a separate performance); 3) the peace hymn 'Lux' — an original Jerry Heil composition on the prayer text of St. Francis of Assisi in Latin, written specifically for the Vespers. The performance was broadcast upward on Vatican News in 26 countries and in three prime-time blocks on Suspilne. A particular detail — after the Vespers, Pope Leo XIV received Jerry Heil and alyona alyona in a personal audience at Sala Clementina, where he conveyed an apostolic blessing for Ukraine. The official Holy See communiqué stated: 'The music of Ukrainian youth is a sign of hope that does not dim in the trials of war.'
