Tony Melendez, Catholic singer without arms, tells his story and his meeting with John Paul II

The famous Catholic singer of Nicaraguan origin, Tony Melendez, who has no arms and plays the guitar with his feet, shares his story of faith, hope and improvement; and he remembers how the kiss that Saint John Paul II gave him changed his life.

In an interview with EWTN News, Melendez, who this Friday participates in the National Eucharistic Congress in the United States, recalled what his meeting with the beloved pilgrim Pope in Los Angeles was like.

“I never thought that my music would take me to a level where I am singing to Pope John Paul II. I was 25 years old and it was an honor to be there. I was a gift that they gave him from the young people here, in Los Angeles (…). It was something very nice that day,” he said.

“I remember the Pope in front, the young people behind, and 6 billion watching me on television. And the Pope jumps stage and he comes and gives me a kiss. And it’s something that really changed my life,” Melendez recalled with a smile.

On that occasion, Saint John Paul II addressed these words to a very emotional Melendez: “Tony, you are truly a brave young man. You are giving hope to all of us. My wish for you is that you continue to give hope to all people.”

“Nobody really knew Tony Melendezbut after he kissed me, the world saw me and they started calling me,” added the singer-songwriter, who years later, on the Chilean program From Pé to Páhe would remember that there were a total of six times that he was able to meet personally with John Paul II.

After that experience, the singer-songwriter continues, he has been able to reach 45 countries and all the states of the United States.

Tony Melendez shared that he started singing when he was little, but with the guitar only at the age of 16, because his feet had to grow to be able to play it. A taste for music arose from his parents, especially from his father who was the one who played the guitar in the family.

Tony Melendez gives a message for people in difficulty

When asked what message he could give to people who have difficulties, the Catholic singer who a couple of years ago suffered the death of one of his children, responded: “They are looking at me, I have no arms. There are a lot of people who say, ‘oh poor Tony,’ but do you want to live with people or yourself saying poor thing?”

“I couldn’t live like this. I wanted to know, I wanted to sing, I wanted to travel, I wanted to pray, I wanted to go to Mass, I wanted to go out with friends. I had that joy, I believe in my heart and God gave me the gift of being able to sing and open my eyes to what was in front of me. And he blessed me in a very nice way,” she added.

Melendez also highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between family and work, always having God present in life.

Advice for young people

When EWTN News asked about advice he could give to young people, Melendez answered that “life is not easy and we always have to continue helping, supporting,” actively participating in the life of the Church and always seeking God to “change the world.” heart” and “giving a little time” to the Lord.