ROME (November 11, 2009)--Pope Benedict XVI sings and prays to a mix of modern music and ancient church chants in a new album presented Tuesday before its release at the end of the month.

The album, titled "Alma Mater -- Music from the Vatican," includes eight original pieces of contemporary music, interwoven with Gregorian chants and the pope's voice.

Benedict sings a hymn and recites prayers to the Virgin Mary in various languages, including Italian, French and Latin.

The pope is accompanied by the Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome, recorded in St. Peter's Basilica and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which recorded in London at the Abbey Road studios.

The Vatican's spokesman says Benedict's voice was not recorded specifically for the project, but Vatican Radio gave sound bites to record label Geffen/Universal.