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Italian priest wants Michael Jackson on religious CD
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-07 10:53
An Italian priest who runs a music label specializing in religious songs said
on Monday that Michael Jackson could be one of several artists to sing on a CD
of Pope John Paul II's prayers, but cautioned that the project is "only a small
idea" that has yet to be run by the Vatican for approval.
Pop star Michael
Jackson emerges from his child molestation trial at Santa Barbara County
Superior Court in Santa Maria, Calif. in this file photo on June 3,
2005.[AP photo] | The label Edizioni Musicali
Terzo Millennio has in past years produced CDs of famous actors reciting poems
composed by the late pontiff. Now, the Rev. Giuseppe Moscati said he is
considering producing a CD in which singers perform songs with lyrics drawn from
24 prayers penned by John Paul.
"It is only a hope, an idea," Moscati said in a telephone interview. He
stressed that the recording label would have to buy the rights from the Vatican.
"We still have to propose this to the Vatican," Moscati said. He added that
any production would have to show "respect for the greatness of John Paul."
The priest said music industry contacts of his had inquired about Jackson's
participation, but said, "we haven't met him or heard from him."
Jackson spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain said that "about a year ago, (Jackson)
was contacted by the Vatican to work on some music. Because he was in trial at
the time, he was not able to focus on it."
The pop star was acquitted in June of child molestation charges in California
after a five-month trial.
Bain added: "I am not aware there has been any recent inquiry."
Vatican officials said they were unaware of any contacts with Jackson.
Moscati said he thought the "image" created by the Jackson trial could be
lessened by including other singers in the project. He declined to name other
artists who might contribute.
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