Madonna’s ‘crucifixion’ condemned

MADONNA has shrugged off a storm of protest and accusations of blasphemy from the Catholic Church to stage a mock crucifixion in Rome.

In a sold-out stadium just a mile from the Vatican City, the lapsed-Catholic diva wore a fake crown of thorns as she was raised on a glittering cross during the Rome stop of her Confessions world tour.

The Vatican accused her of blasphemy and provocation for even considering staging the sham crucifixion on its doorstep; anger Madonna further enflamed prior to the show by inviting Pope Benedict to come and watch.