Holy storm over magazine's tasteless St Mary MacKillop tribute

A men's magazine has been unmoved by criticism of its raunchy lingerie "tribute" to Australia's first saint Mary MacKillop. ZOO Weekly was labelled "disgusting" by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney after a five-page "St Mary Mac and her holy rack" spread which featured a busty model wearing a nun's habit and halo.



A dwarf, dressed as the Pope, is also pictured "blessing" her and her "heavenly hooters". "Mary MacKillop was an independent and progressive woman who devoted her life to serving the poor, educating children and helping those in need," the Archdiocese said.

"The ZOO Weekly Mary MacKillop spread is not only an insult to her legacy, but it is also demeaning to all Australian women." But the publication said they were celebrating Australia's first saint's canonisation.



"We think Mary would be thrilled and flattered at her portrayal," editor Paul Merrill said. "But we think she'd probably be shocked at the less than saintly response we've had from some Catholics." Merrill also said he thought the tiny Pope impersonator was "a fair representation of his Holiness".

You can see all the photos, with two news videos here.