The Vatican is down with Tupac

The Vatican is on Myspace (Photo by juanRubiano via Flickr).

If you haven’t heard already, the Vatican recently released a playlist of songs, on where else? Myspace. Yes on the Vatican’s official Myspace music playlist page, his holiness along with other well-known artists are listed. Included in this list is Tupac Shakur, late rapper gunned-downed in 1996 during a drive-by shooting.

First, I find it very interesting to find that the Vatican has a Myspace music page. They officially started the page on October 2, 2009 so apparently it is still a very fresh idea they came out with. I would say the fact that the Vatican has a Myspace serves two purposes: 1. To connect with youth around the globe 2. To release the lyrical sounds of his holiness, Pope Benedict XVI.

I never knew the church was so up to date on the times. After looking around I found that the Vatican has a Youtube channel as well. I think this really opens the church up allowing more people to connect within the religion and sway away from a “holier than thou” image.

Second, who would have bet money that the Vatican is a fan of Tupac? The late rapper’s song, “Changes” speaks about his desire to change from a dark life on the streets to something better. The song is labeled as explicit and includes such lyrics as, “And the only time we chill is when we kill each other. It takes skill to be real, time to heal each other,” “Is life worth living, should I blast myself? “ and “First ship ‘em dope and let ‘em deal the brothers. Give ‘em guns, step back, watch ‘em kill each other.”

The playlist was compiled by Father Giulio Neroni, artistic director of church publisher St. Paul’s Multimedia. He also compiled the Vatican’s recent Alma Mater album, including Gregorian chants and prayers with classical music and the voice of Pope Benedict XVI speaking in five languages. According to the Vatican’s Myspace music page, it is the first time Pope Benedict XVI has complied a musical soundtrack available for purchase.

By looking at the whole picture it would seem like the Vatican listed Tupac on their playlist along with the Pope’s musical release to entice a younger audience to check out Pope Benedict XVI’s music. But I may be wrong. They may genuinely like the song, “Changes” by Tupac, since the message of changing for the better coincides with other well known songs on the list aiming to send a positive message to like minded people.

Check out the Vatican’s Myspace music page and take a listen for yourself. It’s a collective blend of classical, rap, and rock that many wouldn’t believe has the Vatican’s stamp of approval.