August 1, 2009

Pope aims to top the Christmas charts


by Benjamin Graham

Pope Benedict XVI is set to release an album of music in time for Christmas.

The leader of the Catholic Church has agreed a deal with Geffen Records to record music of him singing with the Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome.

Alma Mater, an album of Lauretan litanies and prayers, will feature the Pope speaking and singing in five languages.

Geffen Records expects listeners to be “shocked” by the Pope’s “incredible voice”.

“We travelled to Rome, heard some of the music and realised it was a beautiful piece of music,” said Colin Barlow, president of Geffen UK.

The focus of the album is music, rather than religion or the Pope, Barlow said.

“It’s very much about delivering a really brilliant piece of music and making sure we treat it with the respect it deserves.”

The eight-track album will feature one track of the Pope singing, and seven tracks providing musical accompaniment to recitals of prayers and religious texts.

The album is set for release on 30 November. Proceeds from album sales will be donated to music education projects for underprivileged children.

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