Dylan Praises Pope’s Air-Guitar Technique During Vatican Visit

VATICAN CITY — Bob Dylan expressed appreciation for Pope Leo XIV’s air-guitar technique Wednesday after the pontiff briefly demonstrated his heavenly skills during a private audience at the Apostolic Palace.

The demonstration took place as a conversation about music turned to the difficulty of remembering guitar parts without an instrument at hand. Leo raised his left hand to shoulder height, positioned his right near his waist, and performed a short sequence of rhythmic movements.

Dylan watched without speaking before asking the pope to repeat the final section.

“He’s got good timing,” Dylan said afterward. “A lot of people rush that part.”

The pontiff’s performance lasted approximately 30 seconds and required an aide to move a chair slightly to one side. No musical accompaniment was provided.

People present described the technique as restrained, with an emphasis on rhythm rather than the broader gestures sometimes associated with air-guitar performances. Leo remained standing in place throughout, concluding with a small downward movement of his right hand.

Dylan appeared particularly interested in the pope’s handling of a difficult chord change. “You weren’t just moving your hands around,” the musician told him. Leo replied that he preferred to keep the arrangement simple.

The two discussed whether a convincing air-guitar performance required the player to imagine a particular instrument. Dylan said it helped. The pope asked whether an acoustic guitar would call for a different approach. Dylan indicated that it would, then offered a brief seated demonstration, using a smaller strumming motion.

An aide preparing to bring the audience to a close paused while the two compared techniques. As the meeting ended, Leo thanked the musician for visiting. Dylan thanked the pontiff for the demonstration and advised him to retain its short duration.

“That was enough,” he said. “You made your point.”