Jacko's Pope song

Music

13:30 06 February 2006

Michael Jackson is to write songs for the Roman Catholic Church.

The 47-year-old singer - who was last year cleared of molesting children - is reportedly in talks with Vatican officials.

Father Guiseppe Moscati - of the Millennium Music Society - said: "Michael is very interested in this project. We shall see what happens."

Church elders would like the 'Bad' singer to put the prayers of Pope John Paul II, who died last year, to music.

Meanwhile, the star is still working on his comeback single.

The song, called 'The Bottom Of My Heart', is set to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina, if released.

It will be a collaboration with a number of hip-hop stars - including Jay-Z, James Brown, Mariah Carey and Mary J Blige.

Jackson's spokesman Ramone K Bain revealed the track is almost finished.

He said: "All that remains is for two or three more artists to do their tracks, and Michael will then add his vocals.

"He is now on the fast track, and we're happy with the progress."

(c) BANG Media International