Vatican Condemns Sale of Jesus Costumes

ROME — The Vatican acted yesterday to condemn the sale of Jesus Christ costume kits, which can be bought within walking distance of St Peter's Basilica.

The "Jesus Party Wig," available across Italy to wear at the festivities that precede Lent, costs about $16 and comes with a flowing beard and a plastic crown of thorns.

Vatican figures called it "blasphemous" and "shameful." One added that a similar Muhammad outfit would cause outrage. "The vilifying of religion is a crime, and this should be investigated by the police," said Bishop Velasio De Paolis, secretary of the Vatican's Supreme Court.

"It's come to the point where the Catholic faith has no defense and it is something to be laughed at. The Christian doctrine is exploited, but everyone is very careful to be respectful of Islam."