Madonna triggers fresh religious controversy by dedicating song to Pope

London, Sept 8 : Queen of pop Madonna dedicated her hit song 'Like A Virgin' to the Pope when she played in Rome's Olympic Stadium on September 6, raising a fresh controversy.

The singer, who was criticized by the Catholic Church for staging a mock crucifixion at a concert in the city's Olympic Stadium two years ago, once again faced barbs from her critics in Italian newspapers.

"At the Roman leg of her tour, Madonna didn't miss the opportunity for a provocation that will certainly be discussed," the BBC quoted Corriere della Sera said on its front page.

As regards her dedication, Madonna had told her 60,000 fans in the Italian capital: "I dedicate this song to the Pope, because I'm a child of God. All of you are also children of God."

Madonna has given rise to a religious controversy earlier also.

In her 1989 video for the song 'Like A Prayer', burning crosses, statues crying blood and the singer herself seducing a black Jesus, could be seen.

Madge had kicked off her Sticky and Sweet tour last month in Cardiff, and will play Wembley Stadium in London on 11 September.

She crosses the Atlantic in October, playing four dates at New York's Madison Square Garden before ending the tour in Sao Paolo, Brazil, on 18 December.

ANI