CNS photo | Paul Haring Members of the Italian Youth Orchestra perform during a concert for Pope Benedict last year at the Vatican.

When words are not enough, beautiful music can express the joy and mystery of God’s love, Pope Benedict said.

“It is hard to find words to convey the sheer joy of the soul’s loving encounter with God; indeed, the great mystics could only remain silent before the mystery,” he told about 4,500 young choir singers, their family members, friends and choirmasters from dozens of countries.

“Yet beautiful music is able to express something of the mystery of God’s love for us and ours for him,” he said Dec. 30.

Pope Benedict reminded the young people that their singing was a service to God, to fellow worshippers and to the whole Church.

Using their musical talents for the liturgy gave God “the praise that is due” and helped parishioners “raise their hearts and minds to the Lord in prayer,” said the pope.