While singing in Rome last week, UofG students and graduates in the Schola Benedicti chamber choir went to Pope Francis' weekly General Audience and picked up an amazing souvenir.

Following a decades-old tradition, nursing student Paul Robertson offered the Pope a new zucchetto, on behalf of the choir. They were delighted when he not only accepted the gift, but gave them his old cap in exchange!

Watch the full encounter on the Vatican YouTube channel: 30 seconds they'll never forget!

The choir was formed by Paul in 2013, with fellow UofG students Clare Bauld, Andrew Forbes, Laura O’Donnell and Mathew Oliver, and graduates Paula Barron, Rebecca Linning and Kathleen Power among the members. The name - Schola Benedicti - honours both St Benedict and Pope Benedict XVI, whose attempts to revive the Church’s musical tradition have struck a chord, especially among the young. Recent ventures have included Pluscarden Abbey, Carlisle Cathedral, Glasgow Cathedral, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and of course the Vatican. 

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First published: 21 October 2016

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