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Between bolero and jazz: Aida Orezzoli shares the story behind “Escogiste llamarte León”
The Peruvian singer of Italian descent discusses the inspiration for her song dedicated to Leo XIV, her Marian spirituality, and her hope that the Pope’s visit to Peru will encourage unity and conversion.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | POPE LEO XIV IN PERU
Ana Paula Morales (Poli)
11/13/20265 min read
Peruvian singer Aida Orezzoli, author of “Escogiste llamarte León,” a song dedicated to Pope Leo XIV that blends bolero and jazz. Photo: courtesy of Aida Orezzoli.
When she saw Robert Francis Prevost appear on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Aida Orezzoli thought back to an album. Years earlier, she recalls, the then-bishop had received “Agustinos de corazón,” a recording in which she set texts by St. Augustine to music. Recognizing him as the successor of Peter filled her with wonder, joy, and the desire to dedicate a new composition to him.
That was the beginning of “Escogiste llamarte León” — “You Chose to Be Called Leo” — a song that blends elements of bolero and jazz. Orezzoli wanted to convey the pontiff’s serenity, his roots, and his connection to Peru through a joyful melody that would bring a smile to listeners’ faces.
In this interview with Press Crux, the artist discusses a musical calling that began in childhood and the faith that guides her work: “I offer my singing to Jesus through Mary.” She also shares what she hopes the Holy Father’s visit will inspire: hearts ready to listen and concrete commitments to change.
The responses were gathered before the Pope’s arrival in Peru and have been edited for clarity and length.
— Aida, how did your musical vocation begin, and what place does faith hold in your life and your compositions?
— Music has been part of my life from the moment I was born. I could describe myself as a musical child. I am of Italian descent, and music has always held a deeply important place in my Italian-Peruvian family.
During my years at Santa Úrsula School, I had the blessing of singing in the school choir. At the same time, from a very young age, I began studying music and taking professional singing lessons. That laid the foundations of my vocal training, which I continued with different teachers at various stages of my life.
Music was also my pastime, a form of play. I enjoyed those moments of solitude, introspection, and reflection, discovering the magic of sound. While other little girls dreamed of collecting toys or dolls, I liked collecting vinyl records, cassettes, and, later, CDs. I even sorted them into categories: classical music, children’s music… Music has always been with me, and it always will be. It inspires me and fills me with life.
As for faith, I consider myself primarily a Marian singer. The presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary inspires my singing. I offer my singing to Jesus through Mary; she is the path of my faith through which I lift my song to God.
Following the spirituality of St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, I have consecrated my life and my professional work. That commitment is present in my artistic, musical, and literary vocation, and wherever God leads me. For me, what comes first is keeping God in my heart.
— How did “Escogiste llamarte León” come about? Was there an image, a word, or a moment in the Pope’s life that inspired you to write it?
— When I saw the Pope appear on the balcony, I could hardly believe it was Robert Prevost himself. Some time earlier, I had sent him my album “Agustinos de corazón,” inspired by the “Confessions” of St. Augustine of Hippo, and he had received it warmly. He also thanked me by email.
That album came out of an invitation from the Augustinian family in Mexico City, with Father Efraín Gutiérrez, with whom I studied every Saturday. Seeing the Holy Father brought back that memory, and I thought of a pontiff with an Augustinian heart. I was filled with wonder, joy, and happiness.
Then I said to myself: if I had already dedicated an album to the Augustinian family, now was the time to write a song for the Holy Father.
Before composing, I always ask God to show me the style and inspiration he wants for each new song, beyond my own tastes or preferences. In this case, I knew it had to be a very joyful, rhythmic song.
Diego Rivera, my music producer, who works with me on musical direction and arrangements, agreed: it had to be a song that would bring plenty of smiles and joy.
I also wanted an international sound that could express his roots and the years he spent in Peru. That is why we sought to blend elements of jazz with the sweetness and romance that bolero holds for me.
— What did you want to express through that title, and what message would you like listeners to take away from the song?
— His choice of name caught my attention: why had he chosen to be called Leo? I wanted to explore what that choice meant to him and, at the same time, convey his character and the calm and serenity he radiates.
The great challenge was to say a great deal about him in just a few words, in a song lasting approximately three minutes and twenty seconds: his Chicago roots, his Peruvian heart, and the blessing he offers to all humanity.
I also wanted the song to speak to a world that needs harmony, dialogue, and peace. The Pope reminds us of the need to be artisans and builders of peace, as his predecessor also emphasized.
Peace is expressed in many ways, through gestures and actions. For me, it is also a gift God grants us, even in the midst of adversity.
I see Leo XIV as a poet of God, because of his eloquence, his gentleness, his wisdom, and his Augustinian formation. I am convinced that he has much light in Christ Jesus to share with humanity and to sow hope.
— As a Peruvian, what does it mean to you to welcome Leo XIV to Peru after the years he shared with so many communities across the country?
— As an Italian-Peruvian, I believe we should feel privileged. Welcoming the Holy Father is a momentous event that calls us to take our faith very seriously.
Peru also faces difficult situations. We need to remain united in fraternity, respect, cooperation, and dialogue. This visit can encourage us to take new initiatives for families and to discover God’s love in the midst of our lives.
We are a land of saints: St. Rose of Lima, St. Turibius of Mogrovejo… How could we not feel happy and, at the same time, recognize our duty to prepare?
It is a celebration, and, as for any celebration, we prepare by putting on the festive garment to which the Lord invites us. We must make the most of this precious time with the Holy Father among us.
It is also a time to build bonds of fraternity with people of other denominations. A faith that is proposed, not imposed; a faith that invites friendship and communion. God loves us all and calls us all.
The Pope knows our culture and our reality. He is a shepherd who walks with his flock, close to the people and committed to the Peruvian people.
— How are you preparing for this visit, and what do you hope it will leave in the hearts of Peruvians, especially young people and families?
— As one of the faithful, I want to follow this beautiful celebration very closely and prepare with the materials developed by the Archdiocese of Lima.
Amid the celebrations and encounters, the most important thing is to listen attentively. To take a message to heart, we must be receptive and humble, with open and peaceful hearts, eager to learn and to bring out the best in ourselves.
I hope this visit will inspire hearts sincerely open to conversion, with concrete commitments to change. Authentic faith invites us to want to change, to become better people, better human beings, and to respect one another.
My hope is that families will remain united and that we can all listen carefully to what the Holy Father has to tell us. May we show him our affection and, above all, allow ourselves to be filled with God’s love.
We must also continue praying for him. He bears an immense responsibility in guiding the Church and needs our prayers: for his health, and that God may bless and strengthen him. Let us also pray for priests and religious sisters, who pray so much for us.
May God bless Peru, and may Our Lady of Guadalupe always be among us.
To listen to the song and watch the video, click here.
