Pope Benedict has signed a record deal for an album of religious music and prayers for Christmas to be released under the Geffen label, which also distributes music for Lady GaGa and U2.
Benedict XVI, 82, and Vatican priests will record music and prayers for new label Geffen UK, expected to be a hit with millions of Catholics worldwide, according to the UK Daily Mirror.
Geffen is part of the US entertainment giant Universal Music Group. Other stars in the group's stables include Lady GaGa, Marilyn Manson, Eminem, U2 and Black Eyed Peas.
"Everyone thought it was a wind up when we got a call from the Vatican," a source at the London based label was quoted as saying. "But it was the Pope's representative inviting us to Rome."
"Two senior managers flew out. The Pope wasn't there in person, sadly. But we didn't hesitate to offer His Holiness a deal."
