Milwaukee Art Museum loves & embraces Niki Johnson's artwork, "Eggs Benedict," which is a portrait of Pope Benedict XVI fashioned from 17,000 colored condoms - as it draws public disgust

Had this same artist constructed a portrait of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad with condoms, the Milwaukee Art Museum would be ducking for cover while refusing to display such artwork 

Some claim the condom artwork of the pope makes him look cock-eyed

The decision by the Milwaukee Art Museum to acquire and prominently display a controversial portrait of Pope Benedict XVI fashioned from 17,000 colored condoms has created outrage among Catholics and others who see it as profoundly disrespectful, even blasphemous.

Many suggest that if a piece were as offensive to other faith traditions or communities it would not be tolerated, much less embraced.

Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki blasted the decision as insulting and callous. The museum acknowledged it has fielded about 200 complaints. A handful of patrons dropped their memberships; one longtime docent tendered her resignation; and at least one donor vowed never to support the museum financially again.

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