Milwaukee Art Museum slammed over plans to display condom portrait of Pope Benedict
Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki says the museum's decision to display the piece is insulting
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Milwaukee Art Museum has received dozens of complaints from angry Catholics and others over its plans to display a portrait of Pope Benedict that is made from 17,000 condoms.
Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki says the museum's decision to display the piece is insulting. Some patrons have dropped their membership, and at least one donor has ended financial support of the museum.
Trustees president Don Layden tells the Journal Sentinel the portrait is meant to spark a conversation about AIDS and AIDS education. Layden says the intention was not to be mocking or disrespectful.
The museum announced the acquisition of the piece by Niki Johnson this month. But, it won't go on display until this fall because the museum's permanent collection galleries are currently closed for renovation.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments