Pope Francis recently toured the United States for the first time on a crusade to inspire people to change their ways and to treat the planet and themselves better. Shortly after, the Pontiff announced to the world that he would be releasing a progressive rock-inspired album titled Wake Up!, from which you can now listen to a new single "Por Que Sufren los Ninos?"
The second track released from the album (the first of which was "Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward!") translates into English as "Why do children suffer?" and while acoustic guitar plays in the background, the Pope is heard delivering his heartfelt speech at St. Thomas University in Manila, Philippines, according to Rolling Stone.
Some of the background vocals feature Academia Ars Canendi Compagnia Aquero, and according to Pitchfork, a Latin hymn titled "Jesu Dulcis Memoria" sung by Italian artist Anna Tosato.
"Why do children suffer? Only when our hearts can ask this question and weep, can we begin to understand. There is a worldly compassion which is completely useless," he proclaims on the track. "Can I weep when I see a child who is hungry, on drugs and on the street, homeless, abandoned, mistreated or exploited as a slave by society? Or is my weeping the self-centered whining of those who weep because they want to have something else?"
The modern Roman Catholic album, which is due out on November 27, is currently available for pre-order via iTunes, and if you do so, you will get an instant download of Pope Francis' first two singles. Some of the proceeds from the album are intended to go to a support fund dedicated to refugees.
Pope Francis is not the first Pope to enter the world of music. Music From The Vatican: Alma Mater, which was released in 2009, featured Pope Benedict XVI's voice. 1999's Abba Pater also featured Pope John Paul II. This new album, however, would be the first of its kind.
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