In a move that might shock many, Pope Francis has announced that he would be collaborating with producer and "artistic director" Don Giulio Neroni on a music album, reported Billboard.
The first single, titled "Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward!" premiered on Rolling Stone's website. The album can be pre-ordered here.
Pop, rock and Latin sounds are featured in the 11-track album. A news release accompanying the album said that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the album will be donated to "a support fund for refugees," according to CBS News. The album is scheduled to be released on Nov 27.
"I know that you share my conviction that much more still needs to be done, and that in times of crisis and economic hardship, a spirit of global solidarity must not be lost. At the same time, I would encourage you to keep in mind all those people around us who are trapped in a cycle of poverty. They too need to be given hope," said the Pope, addressing Congress on Thursday, reported Rolling Stone.
"In the Seventies, I founded the prog-rock band Le Orme and topped the charts, toured Italy and U.K. and had the chance to collaborate with international artists like Peter Hammil and David Jackson (Van Der Graaf Generator). During the years, I also made an important journey of faith. When Don Giulio Neroni asked me to collaborate on this CD, I immediately accepted with enthusiasm. Putting my music in the service of the words and the voice of Pope Francis has been a fantastic experience and a very interesting artistic challenge," said musician Tony Pagliuca, composer of many of the songs on "Wake Up!" including "Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward!"
