Benetton says sorry for Pope kissing imam ad
Italian clothing label Benetton withdrew an advertisement using an image of Pope Benedict kissing an imam on the mouth after the Vatican protested over the label's latest shock campaign.
Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi called the unauthorised and "manipulative" use of the pope's picture in the photo montage totally unacceptable, and suggested it might take legal action against the company.
"This is a grave lack of respect for the Pope, an offence against the sentiments of the faithful and a clear example of how advertising can violate elementary rules of respect for people in order to attract attention through provocation," he said in a statement.
A large banner with the image of the Pope and the imam was hung from a bridge near the Vatican on Wednesday morning but later removed.
Benetton said the purpose of its campaign was "exclusively to fight the culture of hate in every form" but said it had nonetheless decided to withdraw the image.
SOURCE
Italian clothing label Benetton withdrew an advertisement using an image of Pope Benedict kissing an imam on the mouth after the Vatican protested over the label's latest shock campaign.
Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi called the unauthorised and "manipulative" use of the pope's picture in the photo montage totally unacceptable, and suggested it might take legal action against the company.
"This is a grave lack of respect for the Pope, an offence against the sentiments of the faithful and a clear example of how advertising can violate elementary rules of respect for people in order to attract attention through provocation," he said in a statement.
A large banner with the image of the Pope and the imam was hung from a bridge near the Vatican on Wednesday morning but later removed.
Benetton said the purpose of its campaign was "exclusively to fight the culture of hate in every form" but said it had nonetheless decided to withdraw the image.
SOURCE
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