Beirut's Father Guilherme Sparks Debate Over Priest-DJ Identity
The Portuguese Catholic priest Padre Guilherme has ignited a significant debate in Lebanon following his recent performance at the AHM Club in Beirut. During the event, he fused electronic music with religious imagery while donning his priestly attire, a combination that has polarized opinions among Lebanese, particularly within the Christian community, on social media.
* Legal Challenge to Cancel the Concert
In the days leading up to the concert, a group of Lebanese citizens, including fellow priests, petitioned a Beirut judge to cancel the event, arguing that the blending of priesthood and loud music was inappropriate.
However, Judge Amani Marashly dismissed the request, citing that the petitioners lacked the legal authority to represent an official religious organization.
* Mixed Reactions: Criticism and Support
At 51 years old, the priest has faced considerable backlash from some Lebanese who question his role as a DJ and the manner in which he integrates techno music with Christian symbols in his performances.
Conversely, others have come to his defense, viewing his approach as an innovative means to engage younger audiences and convey religious messages in a modern context.
* Rising Global Fame and Major Concerts
Since early 2020, Padre Guilherme has gained international acclaim for his distinctive performances that blend priestly attire with electronic music and religious themes.
He has hosted large-scale concerts, including a notable appearance at World Youth Day in Lisbon, where he performed before an audience of over one million attendees in the presence of the Pope.
As opinions remain divided—some viewing him as a pioneer of renewal and youth engagement, while others see him as overstepping religious boundaries—Padre Guilherme continues to generate discussions both in Lebanon and globally, with each performance becoming a widely reported event.
