David Bisbal and Pasión Vega will perform on December 12 in a Misa Criolla at the Sagrada Familia

Sister Lucia Caram and Enrique Tomás have been working for months on a solidarity project that will generate much discussion in Barcelona. It is about the celebration of a benefit Misa Criolla in the Sagrada Familia in favor of those wounded in the war in Ukraine, an initiative full of hope that is expected to be massive and that this Monday received the blessing of Pope Francis himself, who has shown enthusiasm for the idea.

In a private audience held in the Vatican, Sister Lucia and the ham entrepreneur announced to the Pope that singers David Bisbal and Pasión Vega will be the main voices of the event, which will be held on Tuesday, December 12, and is expected to be attended by 2,400 people in person, although it will also be broadcast on television to maximize its reach and increase fundraising. The funds collected will be used to finance the construction of a field hospital in Ukraine, 50 kilometers from the Russian border.

"Pope Francis has become the messenger of peace. Hence, he has become involved with this Misa Criolla in the Sagrada Familia, which aims to build a second field hospital in Ukraine. He is enthusiastic about the Misa Criolla because it will be a cry for Peace," Sister Lucia explained upon leaving the visit.

At the beginning of the audience, Sister Lucia asked the Pope "how are you?", and he, in very good humor and with the help of a walker, replied "I'm still alive," causing a loud laugh among all attendees. Immediately after, it was the Pope who asked: "And how is the troublemaker nun doing?", causing even more laughter and greeting the Argentine nun residing in the Convent of Santa Clara de Manresa with two kisses.

Also attending the audience with the Pope were communicator Cristina Cubero, singer Pasión Vega, the president of the Santa Clara Foundation, Gabriel Prat; and Gloria Kwofie. "From the first moment I got involved in an idea that emerged from journalist Cristina Cubero and Sister Lucia. This cause is one to fully commit to from the beginning. Not only the 2,400 people who will come to the temple, from row 0 and on television, all people who wish can commit to this project for Peace," said Enrique Tomás. The leading Iberian ham brand based in Badalona, signed an agreement a few weeks ago to become a sponsor and gastronomic partner of David Bisbal's new tour, Me Siento Vivo, which began in August and will end in the autumn of next year.

Before the audience ended, a particularly emotional moment was experienced, as singer Pasión Vega dedicated the tango Volver, by Carlos Gardel, to His Holiness. "The Misa Criolla in the Sagrada Familia will be a moment of union and a message for Peace," expressed the artist, who conveyed to the Pope her excitement for what it will mean to perform in this ceremony, which will also serve to pay tribute to the 10 years of his Pontificate.

A Misa Criolla is a musical work involving solo singers, a choir, and an orchestra, of a religious and folkloric nature, created by Argentine musician Ariel Ramírez. It consists of five parts of the common liturgy (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei) and is based on traditional Argentine musical rhythms.