POPE FRANCIS may have won the battle for the souls of Philadelphia, but a Swedish metal band\u2019s quest to blanket the world in darkness continues.<\/p>\n
The band Ghost was scheduled to play a sold-out show at Union Transfer on Sept. 26 to promote its new album \u201cMeliora,\u201d the same day Pope Francis arrives for the 2015 World Meeting of Families. It\u2019s doubtful the date was a coincidence as the theatrical group\u2019s lead singer, Pape Emeritus III, is more or less an anti-Pope, dressed in black robes with his own ceremonial \u201cmitre\u201d hat complete with upside-down cross.<\/p>\n
Last week, the band put out a video with a sinister spokeswoman condemning Pope Francis\u2019 \u201coppressive effect on Philadelphia\u201d from behind a dark pulpit.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren of Philadelphia, you are a special city. We have been pleased with growing unrest and incivility toward Frankie\u2019s visit next month, and we were especially pleased to register a sold-out concert on the same day Frankie would be blathering to the minions,\u201d the woman said with delight.
\nMore coverage
\nAll you need to know for when Francis is in town
\nPope dedicated to defending migrants<\/p>\n
The unholy power of the traffic box, the perimeter designed to limit automotive traffic in Center City during the pope\u2019s visit, and its effects on Union Transfer on Spring Garden Street, compelled Ghost to reschedule its black mass to Sept. 29.<\/p>\n
\u201cConcession is sometimes hard. Our quest to topple a church will be won across many battles,\u201d the woman said.<\/p>\n
Sean Agnew, of Philly\u2019s R5 Productions, told Newsworks.org that Ghost was really hoping to lay it on thick for Pope Francis, including having its own motorcade drive around the city.<\/p>\n
Ghost was formed in Sweden in 2008 as a six-piece band with Papa Emeritus at the helm. Everyone else in the band is a \u201cNameless Ghoul.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to a bio, Ghost\u2019s latest album is a \u201cfuturistic\/preapocalyptic sounding record.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe gods are all dead. Even art is pure commodity,\u201d the band\u2019s bio reads. \u201cBut some still fight, quietly at first, but soon they will rise and make the glorious noise of the ancients, donning their masks, these nameless ghouls led by Papa Emeritus III.\u201d<\/p>\n
@JasonNark<\/p>\n
Video at link.<\/p>\n
Read more at http:\/\/www.philly.com\/philly\/news\/Anti-pope_band_reschedules_black_mass.html#P2CqMEHEICljD1jg.99<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" POPE FRANCIS may have won the battle for the souls of Philadelphia, but a Swedish metal band\u2019s quest to blanket the world in darkness continues. The band Ghost was scheduled to play a sold-out show at Union Transfer on Sept. 26 to promote its new album \u201cMeliora,\u201d the same day Pope Francis arrives for the … Continue reading Anti-pope band reschedules black mass<\/span>