Faith

Vatican Plans Legal Action Over ‘Unhate’ Ad Featuring the Pope in a Same-Sex Kiss

The Vatican is apparently taking its displeasure with the Pope’s depiction in a new advertisement campaign to the next level. On Wednesday, the Blaze reported on the controversy over a new retail campaign that shows President Obama kissing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and the Pope kissing an Imam, among other same-sex smooches.

After the initial Photoshopped image of the Pope passionately kissing Egyptian imam Sheik Ahmed al-Tayeb was released, the Vatican instantly voiced its opposition and weighed taking legal action. Now, the Catholic Church has decided that it will, indeed, sue over the offensive picture. This development comes after Benetton, the Italian clothing company that created the advertisement, pulled the image from its campaign earlier this week.

According to the Guardian, Vatican press secretary Father Federico Lombardi was more than open about how the church viewed the campaign. ”We cannot but express a resolute protest at the entirely unacceptable use of a manipulated image of the Holy Father, used as part of a publicity campaign which has commercial ends,” he said.

“It is a serious lack of respect for the pope, an affront to the feelings of the faithful and an evident demonstration of how, in the field of advertising, the most elemental rules of respect for others can be broken in order to attract attention by provocation,” Lombardi continued.

Below, find a roughly translated (the original was published in Italian) press statement from the Vatican that explains its intentions:

The Secretary of State has instructed its lawyers to undertake, in Italy and abroad, the appropriate action to prevent the movement, including through the mass media, artwork, created as part of Benetton’s advertising campaign, in which it appears the image of the Holy Father in a way, typically commercial, deemed to be offensive not only the dignity of the Pope and the Catholic Church, but also the sensibilities of believers.

Benetton claims the the “Unhate” campaign was a coordinated effort to promote peace and to encourage dialogue between parties who are at odds. The Pope and Al-Azhar have been at odds since the imam suspended interfaith talks between the two parties earlier this year, which may explain why they were chosen for the ad. The Pope had been advocating for Egypt’s minority Christian population, which is what caused the initial friction between the two parties.

Essentially, the campaign, according to the company, was rooted in encouraging peaceful dialogue. Of course, shock value is rarely bad for business when it comes to launching campaigns.

Does the Pope ad go too far? Tell us what you think in our poll, below:


(H/T: HuffPo)

Comments (146)

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  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 10:24am

    I hope the Vatican sues the living hell out of them.

    Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 11:58am

      Yah… and the Maffia, too!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • symphonic
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 12:34pm

      That’s how I feel about it too. They think its cute. Its nothing short of defamation. And they think this is going to get rid of the “hate?” No, it solidifies the DISDAIN for such gross perversions.

      Report Post » symphonic  
    • MommyNeedsMoreCoffee
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 2:26pm

      I notice Benetton doesn‘t have the ’nads to feature Mohammed in one of these ads…as much as libs choose to be intellectually dishonest and call Islam the religion of peace, they know who they better not mock if they don’t want to be firebombed. I don‘t see a mob of outraged catholics declaring it’s justifiable to murder Benetton executives.

      Report Post » MommyNeedsMoreCoffee  
    • gramma b
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 4:18pm

      This “unhate” ad is prima facie evidence of Bennetton’s hate for traditional believers in general and Catholics in particular.

      Report Post »  
    • Who would Jesus bomb?
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 4:44pm

      Me too. I think this is the best ad campaign to promote hate I’ve ever seen. Let’s offend the hell out of some people and stir up some serious hate. Great job. A-plus.

      Report Post » Who would Jesus bomb?  
    • Who would Jesus bomb?
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 4:47pm

      Next they will have ads with the POTUS performing ******** on Ali-Baba. And if it offends you the least bit, you’re an ignoant hick, and a racist.

      Report Post » Who would Jesus bomb?  
    • Who would Jesus bomb?
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 4:52pm

      Oh yes, baby, let’s see you unhate morons put a picture of Jesus and Muhommad locking lips in your ad. That would REALLY make everyone LOVE the HELL out of each other. LIBS are the ANUS of the earth.

      Report Post » Who would Jesus bomb?  
    • Jacqui
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 12:19pm

      Agree! How very very sad to see this.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 1:01pm

      @Mommy

      If it was an image of Muhammad, how would you know? Unlike Christianity, Muslims do not make images of their prophet; honestly, it would probably just look like any Middle Eastern guy kissing Jesus. I wouldn’t be able to pick an image of Muhammad out of a line-up of turban-clan men: could you?

      Report Post »  
    • MommyNeedsMoreCoffee
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 1:40pm

      @Locked What a silly response to an obvious statement of fact. After all the fatwas and fire bombings in response to publications daring to use the image of Mohammed (implied or stated)…

      Report Post » MommyNeedsMoreCoffee  
    • foreeverfree
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 5:35pm

      The Pope is no longer considered a Pope….Just another Homosexual..The Pres. is queerer than a 3 dollar bill thats why he has promoted all this homosexual stuff.

      Report Post »  
    • dirigo
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 7:00pm

      I hope they sue them also! It’s companies like this that ruin the Moral Values that man should live by!

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 7:28pm

      @Mommy

      So you can? Well, kudos to you. Without a clear message saying “Muhammad and Jesus, sitting in a tree…” I would have no idea who he is. I am impressed that you would; perhaps you’re a Muslim?

      Report Post »  
    • MMSands
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 6:50am

      So far as I know, there aren’t any photos of Mohammed around anymore — nor any of Jesus, Buddha, or even the guy who started up the B’Hai faith. You know how it is with those old negatives: they just don‘t hold up like you’d hope…

      Report Post » MMSands  
  • Thune
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:42am

    Dear god, would everyone stop posting these stomach turning pictures all over the place?

    If i wanted to see two men kissing i would go to a gar bar.

    Report Post »  
  • Amy
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:42am

    These ads depicting world leaders in an ‘unhate’ kiss are disrespectful.

    Report Post » Amy  
  • RodentKing
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:30am

    Chavez se esta comiendo un mojon….

    Report Post »  
    • thegreatcarnac
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 10:23am

      Si….LOL….he is a tu*d.

      Report Post »  
    • 1TrueOne55
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 2:10pm

      But the Obama administration wants to be like Venezuela so what’s the big deal with the photo. It looks like it was taken at the conference before Chavez gave President Obama his biography as hot drop of spy craft. I bet that there was a hand written love letter inside.

      Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:25am

    The old holy kiss is sort of outdated…it was Biblical but not now…LMAO

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • Spiritglogal
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 12:26am

      Unfortunately, there is nothing HOLY in this ad! It’s just another way to disrespect Christians and desensitize people to putting down Christianity as we already see it happening all over the world.

      Report Post » Spiritglogal  
  • Alan
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:15am

    It looks more like a coordinated effort to promote homosexuality than one to promote unhate or “peace”.

    Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:42am

      Communist Goals 1963

      #26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as “normal, natural, healthy.”

      The Pope has done his part.

      Nazis have taken over everything, from the Catholic Church to the White House, down through the Federal Agencies and Police Institutions.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 10:07am

      “Hate” is clearly meant as code for so-called homophobia, hence “unhate” indicates ****-friendliness. And it everybody were friendly with everybody else, there would be world peace. Or so you’re supposed to think. Pretty stupid, anyway. Disrespectful or no, the Vatican would have done well to let this pass.

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 11:12am

      Freedom, V-man…..freedom (they can do whatever the H they want), least that’s what you say.
      OR is it disrespectful.

      Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 12:13pm

      4truth2all

      You continue to take that statement WAY out of context.

      Come off it. They can put out this ad, and I don’t have to like it OR the Pope (Nazi Rat).

      Freedom.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • PitaJ
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 1:07am

      @Vman I’m a catholic and although he was FORCED to be in the hitler youth he never was a nazi

      Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 1:21am

      Yea, I bet all the Nazis were “forced” to be Nazis.

      Try again. I don’t believe it.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • downthewell
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:13am

    beckisnuts.
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:01am

    Let’s find out who is responsible for these ads – both at Benetton and at the ad agency. Then we can create some images of them humping turkeys and see how they like it.

    Report Post »  
  • by faith
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:12am

    THESE PICTURES ARE PHOTSHOPPED

    Posted because some of the responses on this site don’t seem to realize that.

    I’m sure at some point in the near future some Non-Denom will be claiming this really did happen.
    The source of a lie will once again be the “reason” for hate directed at the Catholic Church

    Report Post » by faith  
    • downthewell
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:15am

      Most people who are gullible enough to believe what nutterboy Beck spews every day are not going to be able to grasp what Photoshop is and how it can be used. Like this for example:

      http://www.flickr.com/photos/55751455@N02/6334205305/

      Report Post »  
    • by faith
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:25am

      You bring up a good point.
      Photoshop Definition
      A program made by Adobe used to manipulate images.
      Also a term for an image manipulated with the software, which is usually a combination of two or more unrelated images.

      Report Post » by faith  
    • mean_conservative_teacher
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:47am

      Why do you have to try to spread division in the Body? What do you have against “Non Denom[s]“? Why don’t you remember who your true opponents are, yes? If these people can get us to fight against each other, then it is ultimately the secularists and the Muslims who win.

      Report Post »  
    • by faith
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:48am

      Mean teacher
      you must be new to the “faith” section of The Blaze. You think I am the one trying to cause devision? There are posts all over who falsly attack the Catholic Church. Just do a search for stories by Billy Hallowell…he brings out the Non-Denom nuts. They, like you, make accusations and pretend there is no call for a negative response.

      I stand by my post:
      I’m sure at some point in the near future some Non-Denom will be claiming this really did happen.
      The source of a lie will once again be the “reason” for hate directed at the Catholic Church

      Report Post » by faith  
  • capitalismrocks
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:08am

    There has to be a return to proper and respectful decorum… We hear all about how we are supposed to be more respectful, tone down the rhetoric, stop bullying and other things, yet decades ago there was a high respect for political and religious figures, yet we continue to see these kinds of disgusting displays and this was two folder, disrespect and a pushing of the gay agenda into the world, the gays think that because people are more tolerant that they should shove gay all over the public, this is not the case

    Report Post » capitalismrocks  
  • mrsmileyface
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:04am

    Who the heck buys Benneton clothing anymore….and the ones that still do are either gay,metrosexual or art students.

    Report Post » mrsmileyface  
  • beckisnuts.
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:01am

    Let’s find out who is responsible for these ads – both at Benneton and at the ad agency. Then we can create some images of them humping turkeys and see how they like it.

    Report Post »  
  • makeemstop
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:58am

    What Benetton did is repulsive… non-the-less… The Vatican isn’t following Bible teaching (in my opinion). Paul the apostle, instructed believers not to go to court against one another (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). Christians are to forgive each other and reconcile their differences. Only when differences can’t be resolved should a lawsuit “possibly” be the proper course of action.

    “Assuming” Benetton meant no wrong and just used absolutely awful judgement, the Pope and Church should forgive them. Benetton did the right thing by taking the images down immediately. And I’m sure the public whom disagrees with their stupidity will respond accordingly and opt not to purchase their products.

    As for the POTUS… I think most presidents deserve more respect regarding this matter. Although I’m not approving of what they did with Obama, I have no respect for this individual, as he has shown no respect to America in so many respects, you could right a series of novels on them all, let alone Judea-Christian values.

    Report Post » makeemstop  
    • Obeeone
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 6:05pm

      The Imam is not the Brother of the Pope. The Adjure was for a Christian not to take another Christian to Caesars Court. A Christian should seek the elders of the church to settle disputes between Christians.

      Report Post » Obeeone  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:55am

    Im tellin ya, Im tellin ya, hand shakes are the old way, this smooching stuff is the NWoder new intro
    besides I think the antichrist is supposed to be gay too

    Report Post »  
  • Mandors
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:54am

    Wait, there’s still a Benetton? I thought they thankfully died with “Members Only” jackets and George Michael.

    Report Post » Mandors  
  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:48am

    I just wonder if they used breath mints?

    Report Post »  
    • searching for the Truth
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:01am

      But, no folks they would not really do this.

      Report Post »  
    • searching for the Truth
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:06am

      The kissing part !

      Report Post »  
    • searching for the Truth
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:07am

      I’m not even voting.

      Report Post »  
    • Cavy2see
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:19pm

      I hope you are kidding…the Pope would not do that … kissing on the lips…anyone…Italians & French..kiss the sides of your face but most don’t do that anymore…but he isn’t Italian…not done in all of europe…maybe …so sad that Benneton did the ad…they should print retractions and appologies…our faith cannot be harmed by this ad…but it might in the future stur up once more…just like other hoaxes…sad…so sad…we live in a time when people who live a bad lifestyle are reveered and others who do live a good life style trying to be chaste and civil are put down…I won’t convince anyone but all german men of that era had to belong to Nazi boy scout ( not the Boy Scouts) group…or they would end up gone…just like our extremists now…who think it is good to be homosexual…trying to convert us to that way of thinking with all the tv shows with that lifestyle being normal in the story line…what has happened to just being nice to each other and keeping our private lives private??? I don’t push anyone around…oh well…I will end with this Jesus, Mary & Joseph pray for us sinners…

      Report Post » Cavy2see  
    • searching for the Truth
      Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:56pm

      No. I was not kidding – I hope they all use breath mints, and the Pope would not do that, this, or the I’ve never kissed thing. Let’s see real slowly for the Blaze – The- Pope- would -not -commit -this- type- of- sin. I don’t think he would eat green eggs and ham on the same plate either!

      Report Post »  
  • NHwinter
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:47am

    Please stop showing this picture of the Pope. You can report on this without the picture. No one seems to have boundaries anymore. This is so disrespectful to all those in the pictures.

    13th Iman – I am so tired of the Catholic Church being singled out for abuse. It is much higher in other faiths. Islam is probably the WORST. University coaches seem to be moving into a high position with abuse of children!!!!!

    Report Post » NHwinter  
    • sta
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:00am

      Stop showing the picture? Here on the Blaze? LOLOLOL!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:08am

      My wife is an Ex-Catholic, product of Catholic schools and left because of the church’s blind eye. We had dinner last weekend with friends that said the same thing. I am Not anti- Catholic or any religion until it turns evil.. Islam is not a religion but a political tool to keep the great unwashed obiedient(sp) to it’s leaders. But this story was about the Pope.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 10:59am

      As disturbing as the abuse by some priests in the church has been, I think it is sad when people leave because of it. The abuse does not change the beauty of the Eucharist or the Mass. Our faith is in the Lord, not those that commit horrible sins. These sins are so widespread thoughout all of society now, that holding on to our faith is extremely important. Will people stop watching football because of the abuse going on with the coaches? Do we condemn all coaches because of a few?

      Report Post » NHwinter  
  • toomuchgovt
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:43am

    The hate comes from Benetton.

    Report Post » toomuchgovt  
  • sister1_rm
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:42am

    My feeling for Mr. Obama aside, it’s wrong and a complete lie to represent any public leaders in this way. It is an outrageous lie and an and completely in defiance of the dignity of the offices they hold. This company need to be made an example of.

    Report Post » sister1_rm  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:42am

    .
    Deemed to be offensive not only the dignity of the Pope and the Catholic Church……

    The Vatican Plans Legal Action Over ‘Unhate’ Ad Featuring the Pope in a Same-Sex Kiss…….

    Why? This comming from the Penn State of religon, you let the of rape children go on for years, and DID NOTHING. But let the Pope look a little Gay and ya’ll have a fit. Ya’ll make me sick………….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • Free2speakRN
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:37am

    Yeah, this is really going to stop hate, any of these pictures. How about shaking hands? Too heterophobic?

    Report Post »  
    • JimmyP
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 10:56am

      Heterophobic ads like this need to be aired in the disenfecting light of public disclosure. No one ran the nude pix of the Greek woman, let alone endlessly. They were available for sure but not on EVERY site.
      Coupla points:
      1) The Catholic church is a human organization that is flawed by it’s being so. No chruch official would deny this.
      2) A 2004 govt study quotes studies showing the stats on public school sex offenses as between 3% and 50.3%
      3) The Church has gone to significant lengths to institute a safety net to prevent continuation of this horid abuse.
      4) Forgiveness does not ignore consequences. Smash into my car, fix it and pay the price. The “I forgive you” taught by Our Lord is not dependant on your paying that price.
      5) Libel, such as this, needs to be resolved.

      Report Post » JimmyP  
  • CatB
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:36am

    Obama can’t because he and Chavez are not photoshopped. Oh love — isn’t it grand .. two dictators in love.

    TEA!

    Report Post »  
    • RodentKing
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:34am

      O, I thought Chavez was having lunch eating a turd.

      Report Post »  
  • hi
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:35am

    When I see that add, I don’t have hate in my heart. I get the same feeling one would get seeing someone french kissing their dog. It’s just gross. I don’t hate that person, but feel sorry for him he has a screw loose.

    Report Post » hi  
  • V-MAN MACE
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:35am

    Do you really think I care that “ex” Nazi Ratzinger is whining about this ad, while his underlings molest little kids?

    Nope. I don’t.

    The Catholic Church is corrupt at the top.

    Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:35am

    Dear Mr. Pope

    You are losing your parishioners. Your pedophile priests and their enablers are driving away believers. The progressive social justice wing of the Catholic faith will be the death of your church.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:55am

      Since when did lip kissing replace a hand shake?
      I know that many culters have greeting one onother in different ways.
      But kissing lips..? the French dont even do that..!
      What world did I wake-up to….?

      We closed that Deal Jim …Its a done deal ….WE KISSED ON IT…!

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • YoungBloodNews
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:03am

      lololol That was the goal all along, hence is calling for a global currency and bank…. Stupid sheep go baa baa baa. Black Pope anyone?

      Report Post » YoungBloodNews  
    • by faith
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:32am

      The late Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, “There are not even 100 people in this country who hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they think the Catholic Church to be.”

      Report Post » by faith  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 11:50pm

      This is why people like me are getting sick and tired of all of this garbage being shoved in our faces.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:32am

    The POTUS deserves more respect than that as well. Despite who presently occupies the office.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:38am

      Puhlease…not the guy who had a male ballet dancer (Rahm Emmanuel) as Chief of Staff.

      (Lmao @ “Chief of Staff”)

      Obama gets down “like that”. So does a great deal of those perverts who grace the Capitol.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • demint.disciple
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 8:40am

      Agreed , but tell that to the rest of the morons on here….

      Report Post » demint.disciple  
    • RodentKing
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:39am

      If he was a President where Ameerica came first then I would agree.

      Report Post »  
    • David in MA
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 2:56pm

      The office does, the chithead now illegally occupying it don’t!

      Report Post »  
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