“THERE WASN’T A DRY EYE IN THE VATICAN.” ❤️🙏 — IL VOLO INTRODUCED THE PEOPLE WHO SHAPED THEIR LIVES BEFORE DELIVERING AN EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE TO POPE FRANCIS Il Volo gave fans a rare glimpse into their personal lives by introducing their families during the Vatican’s Family Day celebration, sharing heartfelt stories about the parents, siblings, and grandparents who inspired their journeys. The emotional moment included touching tributes to faith, family, and loved ones who are no longer with them, revealing a deeply personal side of the world-famous trio. The event then reached its spiritual peak as Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble performed a powerful rendition of “Hallelujah” to welcome Pope Francis. But it was one deeply moving tribute from the stage that left the audience visibly emotional.

Il Volo Introduces Their Families at Vatican Family Day Event Ahead of Musical Tribute to Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY — In a deeply personal and emotional highlight during the official Family Day (Giornata della Famiglia) event, international operatic pop trio Il Volo took center stage alongside host Amadeus to introduce their beloved families to the audience for the very first time.

Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble shared touching personal tributes to their parents, siblings, and grandparents before performing Leonard Cohen’s iconic “Hallelujah” to welcome Pope Francis.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Meet the Families Behind Il Volo

[Il Volo Family Breakdown]
  ├── Gianluca Ginoble: Joined by father, mother, brother, girlfriend, cousin, and grandfather Ernesto
  ├── Piero Barone: Joined by father Gaetano, brother Francesco, sister, and mother Eleonora
  └── Ignazio Boschetto: Joined by mother Caterina and sister Nina

🎻 Gianluca Ginoble & Grandfather Ernesto

Gianluca introduced his family, making special mention of his grandfather, Ernesto, a former band musician from Abruzzo who inspired his musical journey:

“I urge young people to maintain a dialogue with their families and cultivate empathy,” Gianluca reflected. “Learn from the experiences of your elders and grandfathers, and hold onto values that we might otherwise lose.”

🕯️ Piero Barone & Mother Eleonora

Piero credited his mother, Eleonora, as his spiritual beacon and constant guide:

“If I have a deep relationship with faith, it is thanks to my family, especially my mother,” Piero shared. “Since I was young, she has helped me in this journey to find myself and never lose faith.”

❤️ Ignazio Boschetto & His Late Father Vito

Ignazio introduced his mother Caterina and sister Nina, while taking a tender moment to honor his late father, Vito, who passed away in 2021:

“My father looks down on us from above,” Ignazio noted. “There is a difference between missing someone and their physical absence. My father is never truly missing—he is always right here watching over us.”

🕊️ Welcoming the Holy Father

Following the family introductions, host Amadeus highlighted how the support of a strong family foundation drives career success and groundedness. The event then transitioned to its spiritual centerpiece, with Il Volo performing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”—accompanied by the Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana under Maestro Giampiero Grani—to welcome Pope Francis to the stage.