Jelly Roll is celebrating a milestone moment he never thought he’d experience.
The first-ever artist-in-residence on “American Idol” got to meet none other than the Pope before a scheduled concert in Vatican City.
Jelly Roll put up an emotional post on Instagram showing the “Hard Fought Hallelujah” singer shaking hands with Pope Leo XIV. In the caption, Jelly wrote, “From rock bottom to holy ground.”
He then quoted Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:20 in the Bible’s New Testament, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Jelly Roll Performs in ‘Grace For the World’ Concert in St. Peter’s Square
Jelly Roll’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV came before a scheduled concert in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City called “Grace for the World.“
Jelly joined artists including Pharrell Williams, Karol G, Teddy Swims, Andrea Bocelli, John Legend, and Jennifer Hudson for the concert aimed at promoting unity and brotherhood.
It was also part of a celebration of the 2025 Jubilee Year.
Epic Moment Comes During a Tour Jelly Roll Thought Couldn’t Happen
Jelly Roll sang “Hard Fought Hallelujah” backed by a massive choir with the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica lit up in the background.
But meeting the Pope and singing in such an iconic location are just part of the amazing journey the singer has been on this summer as part of the European leg of Post Malone’s world tour.
Which was a trip Jelly Roll didn’t think he was going to get to make. The singer had to get special permission to travel to London due to his prison record.
“They lettin’ me come to England, baby! It’s happening,” Jelly shared ecstatically on an Instagram post when he first received the good news.
Jelly Roll has gotten to tour sixteen countries he believed he’d never set foot in on Post’s tour.
Jelly Roll Is Open About His Faith
Jelly Roll’s appearance at the “Grace for the World” concert is on brand for the singer, who is bold about expressing his faith.
He has posted videos of rainbows appearing overhead as he sings “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
When a double rainbow appeared over one stadium, he stopped his song and told the crowd, “Look at that, you can’t tell me God ain’t here!”
Jelly has called his faith in Jesus a “driving force” in his life that has given him a “bigger purpose.”
In an interview alongside singer Brandon Lake with K-Love, Jelly Roll said, “I believe in Jesus y’all wholeheartedly. I have no doubt who the Son of Man is, but I’m figuring out the rest of it, y’all, so stick with me.”
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