Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, a regular on the Pause for Thought slot on BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evans Breakfast Show, treated producers to a musical surprise this morning.
Before delivering his Thought, about each person’s ability to contribute to where they live, Westminster’s Archbishop Emeritus sat down at the grand piano in the studio – donated by Elton John – and began playing some lively classical music.
The cardinal told listeners he is off to Rome on Friday, where the two-week Synod on the Family will be drawing to a close. He described Pope Francis as “a breath of fresh air” and said he knew him well because they were made cardinals together at the same consistory in 2001.
The cardinal is a keen amateur pianist who considered a career as a professional musician before deciding to train for the priesthood.
Watch the performance here.
Listen to this morning's Pause for Thought here.