Italian politicians spar over hammer-and-sickle crucifix

July 15, 2015

The controversial hammer-and-sickle crucifix that was presented to Pope Francis by Bolivian President Evo Morales prompted a political debate in Italy, with one prominent leader saying that he was “disgusted” by the gift, and a rival rebuking him for that attitude.

Matteo Salvini, the leader of the Northern League, said that he was “disgusted, because millions of people in the world have died in the name of that hammer and sickle.” In reply Gianfranco Rotondi of the Christian Revolution Party said: “One should never be disgusted by the crucifix.”

 

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Further information:

• Salvini disgusted by pope crucifix gift (ANSA)
• One should never be disgusted by the crucifix - Rotondi (ANSA)