Priest Slams 'Blasphemous' Playboy Cover of Veiled Maria

Playboy's apology for a cover appearing to show a breast-flashing Virgin Mary isn't penance enough, a furious priest tells CNN. Playboy Mexico said the picture of a veiled model in front of a stained-glass window with the caption "Te Adoramos María"—"We Adore You, Maria"—wasn't meant to represent a religious figure, but the priest and other church officials consider that a blatant lie.

Not only is the image offensive, the priest said, but Playboy's decision to use it during the holiday season and just before the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe doubles the insult. "How many nativity scenes are out there this time of the year?" he said. "How many times is Mary a central figure in this whole celebration?  This is very offensive. It's blasphemous."
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