THE RELEVANCE OF POPE FRANCIS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE CATHOLICUS CHORUS FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF MUSIC BY CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Music is an important part of the Catholic worship.It enriches the prayer, participation, unity and spiritual growth of the worshipping community.The music in the Catholic churches of contemporary Nigeria lives in the interface of universal music tradition of the Catholic Church and the rich indigenous musical traditions of Nigeria.The research explores the current relevance of Pope Francis' views on the Catholicus Chorus (in this study called the Catholic liturgical choir or schola cantorum) to the performance of music in Catholic Churches in the modern Nigeria.The study is qualitative with secondary sources used for data collection such as Pope's addresses, Catholic liturgical documents, scholarly works on Nigerian liturgical music and inculturation.Nevertheless, insights from the authors' personal observations also played important role in the discourse.The paper outlines the four main principles in Pope Francis' view of choral ministry: Music serve as a tool of evangelisation; The choir is a facilitator, not a replacement for congregational involvement; Harmony and communion must be developed; Spiritual, liturgical and musical formation is vital.These are explored in the light of the practice of music performance in the Nigerian Church today, especially the growing emphasis on Pentecostal worship styles, popular gospel music and indigenous musical idioms and technological amplification.The study concludes that Pope Francis' thoughts can serve as a helpful template for the balance between artistic excellence, cultural inculturation, liturgical fidelity, and active