A new musical about Mary, the mother of Jesus, will debut at the Vatican later this month, the Holy See said on Tuesday.
The show, entitled Mary of Nazareth - A Story That Goes On, is the first of its kind to receive the Holy See's seal of approval.
''We have sponsored this work with pleasure because Mary of Nazareth is the woman who has communicated and still communicates to mankind today the word of God made man,'' explained Monsignor Claudio Maria Celli, president of the pontifical council for social communication.
The show boasts Italy's top experts on Mary as consultants and the lead role will be sung by Alma Manera, a young Italian soprano who has worked at the Rome Opera House.
Rome-born Manera, a former Miss Italia contestant, is also the daughter of the musical's director, Maria Pia Liotta.
After its debut performance at the Vatican's Sala Nervi on June 17, the musical is likely to tour Europe, Latin America and some Middle East countries, the Vatican said.
The Holy See is not putting money into the operation, which is bankrolled by a new company called Airam.
