The committee overseeing Pope Benedict's itinerary in Britain next week announced today that they have chosen a hip-hop track to be the official "youth anthem" for his visit.

Heart's Cry, by Catholic trio Ooberfuse, is a world away from the type of soaring hymnals usually associated with Catholic services, according to a report in independent.co.uk.

The band, who all live in London, sent their track to Father Andrew Headon, a member of the Papal Visit Organising Committee which chose the song to represent young worshippers. It will almost certainly be played to the faithful during the Pope's prayer vigil in Hyde Park, an event which is specifically aimed at appealing to younger Catholics.

Ooberfuse's track bears a passing resemblance to Black Eyed Peas' breakthrough single, Where is the love? and open with extracts of a speech by Pope Benedict proclaiming that "evil will never reign in the hearts of men again".

Cherrie Anderson, the trio's 24-year-old lead singer, told The Independent that her band wanted to move away from the stereotype that modern Christian bands only ever played soft rock.

"We are hoping to be more relevant and reach out to a younger generation," she said. "We wanted to break the stereotypes surrounding religious pop music and play music that would instantly appeal to young people today."

The band is made up of Miss Anderson, on vocals, 33-year-old rapper Hal St John and DJ Cornel Sorian.

FULL STORY

Pope chooses rap song as soundtrack for his UK visit (independent.co.uk)

SONG

Ooberfüse - Heart's Cry

PHOTO CREDIT

Screenshot from soundcloud.com