Rome, Italy, Jan 25, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Two Italian priests are outraged by a company that has used the image of the Virgin Mary for an ad campaign, calling it “blasphemy” and “profanity,” reported the AFP.
The ad in Saturday's daily newspapers shows a miniature statue of the Virgin Mary on the dashboard of a car holding a miniature wheel. The ad, placed by a company specializing in online auto taxation and registration services, was intended to their services in paying car tax.
"I find this is a clear offence to good taste, showing a lack of respect for all believers and a clear and manifest blasphemy," said well-known commentator Fr. Antonio Mazzi.
"I don't think it's altogether correct to exploit one of the most sacred figures in Christianity in such an unconsidered way,” he said.