Brazilian Bishops' Conference Opposes Blasphemous Photo of Footballer

The Brazilian Bishops' Conference has described the photo montage of the 20 year old stormer of FC Santos on the cross as a provocation and an offense to religious feelings, freedom of opinion must have limits.

Sao Paulo (kath.net/KNA)  A crucified  Neymar da Silva Santos Jr on the title of the Brazilian football magazine "Placar" (see photo) is a concern for anger.  The Brazilian Bishops' Conference descried the photo montage of the 20 year old stormer of FC Santos on the cross as a provocation and an offense to religious feelings.  Freedom of expression must have limits, explained the Bishops according to media reports on Saturday.

In view of the significant worldwide protests because of the inappropriate engagement with religious symbols the representation is tactless. The news paper is disturbing the respectful cohabitation between faith communities, says the Bishops' Conference.

"Placar" defends the title photo with the most recent critique at the player:  He has  "ben made into a scapegoat in sports and is dragged through the mud."  Neymar, in the past year was chosen as the football player of the year for South America, and because of his millionaire income and an outrageous lifestyle has created hostility.  Finally, fans have booed him at a contest in Sao Paulo, because he was mainly responsible for the poor performance of the national team.

Link to kath.net...