Rome, Italy, Apr 18, 2006 / 22:00 pm
The editor of a religious magazine apologized Sunday for publishing a cartoon that angered several Muslim organizations in Italy, reported the Middle East Times.
The cartoon appeared in the March issue of Studi Cattolici. It was based on Dante Aleghieri's epic poem "The Divine Comedy" in which the Roman poet Virgil guides the Italian poet through the various circles of Hell. The cartoon shows Prophet Mohammed among the damned, cut in two for "bringing divisions to society".
The editor, Cesare Cavalleri, said it was not his intention to offend anyone and asked for forgiveness. He said he was surprised by the reaction to the cartoon, adding that the cartoon had been "interpreted as anti-Islamic when it was a condemnation of the cultural identity crisis of the West".
Cavalleri is a member of Opus Dei, and the magazine is published by the same company that puts out the works of Opus Dei founder St. Josemaria Escriva.
The prelature of Opus Dei however, issued a recent statement saying that Studi Cattolici is not one of its publications.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA