Pope Benedict XVI will appear singing and speaking on an upcoming album to be released through Geffen Records. It’s deliciously ironic – Geffen Records was created by David Geffen, one of the most successful out gay men in the world, the label’s first signing was Donna Summer and over the years it has released tracks from Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana and Aerosmith. They’ve also just signed Shirley Bassey and her new album will be out in time for Christmas, along with Benedict’s.

BBC News report that the Pope will release Alma Mater, “an album of Lauretan litanies and prayers with musical accompaniment”. Geffen Records have called his voice “incredible” and the Pope will feature in five different languages.

Colin Barlow, president of Geffen UK, told press: “We travelled to Rome, heard some of the music and realised it was a beautiful piece of music and something that actually could be an incredible record for us to work on. It’s very much about delivering a really brilliant piece of music and making sure we treat it with the respect it deserves.”

The Times Online report that David Geffen is no longer working directly with the record label, however it still bears his name, which is good news given that the Pope has in the past described homosexuality as a “tendency” towards an “intrinsic moral evil”.

Alma Mater will feature eight tracks, one featuring Benedict singing and the others containing his recitals of passages and prayers.

BBC report that Benedict did not record the tracks in a studio – recordings of his voice were supplied by the Vatican.

Barlow said that Geffen has received a letter from the Vatican saying that the Pope has heard the music so far and “he’s very happy with what he’s heard”.

Proceeds from the sale of the album will be donated to “providing music education for underprivileged children around the world”. In 1982 John Paul II released an album called The Pilgrim Pope, and in 1994 he released a recording of The Rosary.

We can’t wait for the dance remixes.