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So claims David Farley in Slate (”Who stole Jesus’ foreksin?“) and in his upcoming book on the mysterious disappearance of the relic of the prepuce of the Messiah.

Just what the holy foreskin was doing in the priest’s house—in a shoebox at the back of his wardrobe, no less—and why and how it disappeared has been debated ever since the relic vanished. Some suspect the village priest sold it for a heavenly sum; others say it was stolen by thieves and ended up on the relics black market; some even suggest Satanists or neo-Nazis are responsible. But the most likely culprit is an unlikely one: the Vatican.

Madonna’s live performances for her “Confessions” Tour — now on its Italian leg — have come under fire again. US and UK churches and church groups had criticised the show in May (BBC: “Madonna defends mock crucifixion“). But now responses from Vatican officials to her hanging on a large mirrored crucifix have been vitriolic. Cardinal Ersilio Tonino, speaking with the Papal approval (Scotsman: “Catholic fury at ‘blasphemous’ Madonna“), said:

“To crucify herself during the concert in the city of popes and martyrs is an act of open hostility. It is nothing short of a scandal. What is really offensive is the exaggeration of it all; it is clearly anti-Church, in poor taste and, most of all, an insult to Christ.

“The time will come when this woman will realise that Christ died on the cross for her as well, that He spilt His blood for her - I feel pity for her.”

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