Philippines Archbishop urges Catholics to boycott Madonna

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Press Trust of India Los Angeles
Last Updated : Feb 25 2016 | 4:29 PM IST
A Roman Catholic bishop in the Philippines has called on Catholics to boycott both of Madonna's concerts she's playing in the country's capital this week, describing her music "suggestive" and her clothing "vulgar".
The 57-year-old star is in the middle of the Asian leg of her Rebel Heart world tour, promoting her 13th studio album, and is performing at the same hall in the capital where Pope Francis granted an audience to Filipino families roughly a year ago, reported CNN online.
"Why is the Catholic Philippines the favourite venue for blasphemy against God and the Holy Mother?" asked Ramon Arguelles, archbishop of Lipa City, a region in the south of Manila.
"Pinoys and all God-loving people should avoid sin and occasions of sin," he said.
Madonna's representatives have not responded to these comments, as the star arrived in the Philippines earlier this week and has spent some of her time visiting Catholic-run orphanages, one of which was near the presidential palace, documenting the experience on Instagram.
The pop diva has often used religious imagery in her songs and music videos, and Arguelles described these as the "subtle attacks of the evil one".
He even went as far as to suggest that Madonna was just a stage name.
"It's not even her real name. She is just using (Madonna) to taunt Mother Mary," the bishop continued.
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First Published: Feb 25 2016 | 4:29 PM IST

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