Rome, Italy, Aug 3, 2006 / 22:00 pm
In an uncommon show of solidarity, Rome's Catholic, Muslim, and Jewish leaders have collectively condemned pop star Madonna's decision to stage a mock-crucifixion during her concert in the Italian capital on Sunday, the AP has reported.
The 47-year-old singer was criticized during the American leg of her worldwide “Confessions Tour” for a sequence in which she wears a fake crown of thorns and descends on a suspended, glittery cross.
But priests in Rome have gone one step further, calling it blasphemy.
“This concert is a blasphemous challenge to the faith and a profanation of the cross. She should be excommunicated," said Cardinal Ersilio Tonini of the lapsed Catholic pop star.
"Being raised on a cross with a crown of thorns like a modern Christ is absurd,” said Fr. Manfredo Leone. "It is disrespectful, in bad taste and provocative."
"I think her idea is in the worst taste and she'd do better to go home," said Mario Scialoja, head of Italy's Muslim League.
Riccardo Pacifici, spokesman and vice president of the Roman Jewish community, said Madonna should have pulled the routine considering that she is performing at a stadium, located only one mile away from the Vatican.
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