As the seat of the Papacy, the Vatican City and its predecessor, the Papal States, has played an important role in the development of Christian music.
At this time, church authorities became concerned about the words of liturgical texts being drowned out by the traditional melodies.
After the end of the Papal States, the Popes' ability to sponsor composers and musicians waned.
Although not of the Vatican, a Christmas concert where popular musicians performed had been held at the Vatican for thirteen years until ending in 2006. Notable performers at it included José Feliciano, Thelma Houston, Dionne Warwick, Gloria Gaynor, and B.
The concert created controversy in 2003 due to statements by Lauryn Hill who used the opportunity to criticize the Vatican over Roman Catholic sex abuse cases.