Madonna takes cross show to Rome

Madonna has staged a mock-crucifixion during a concert in Rome, where religious leaders earlier condemned the element of her current show. The pop star says the section of her Confessions show when she wears a crown of thorns and is raised on a cross is part of an appeal for Aids charities.

But Father Manfredo Leone of Rome’s Santa Maria Liberatrice church said it was “disrespectful” and “in bad taste”. Muslim and Jewish leaders in the city have also raised objections.

About 70,000 fans attended at the concert in Rome’s Olympic Stadium. During the controversial section - which has been included from the outset of the tour in May - the singer is suspended from the wire cross as she performs the song Live to Tell.

The two-and-a-half hour show also included images of the Pope cut with photos of the former Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini.