Pope Benedict XVI's classical music album will be released on the label that is home to names like U2, Nirvana and Lady GaGa to Guns N' Roses.

It is due for release on 30 November.

The pontiff will sing and recite prayers to the Virgin Mary on the album, the Associated Press reported. It will contain Lauretan litanies and prayers with musical accompaniment, and he will also be heard speaking.

The label said listeners would be "shocked" by his "incredible voice", BBC News reported.

"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," said Colin Barlow, president of Geffen UK.

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

The album will contain eight pieces of music, one featuring Pope Benedict singing and the others providing accompaniment to his recitals of passages and prayers, the reports said.

The Vatican supplied recordings of his vocals made at official services and also from speeches he made on his foreign trips.

Benedict will be accompanied by the Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome, as recorded in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the AP report said. The original compositions are performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, recorded at London's Abbey Road.

Proceeds will help to to providing music education for underprivileged children around the world.

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Pope's voice to be heard on album (BBC News)

Pope to Cut Album for Charity (CBS News, AP)

Pope Benedict to release an album in time for Christmas (The Guardian)

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