Madonna pokes fun at Pope Francis as she dons hoodie featuring Catholic leader wearing robe with HER NAME on it - after decades of stoking controversy with the Vatican
Madonna poked fun at Pope Francis on Tuesday as she donned a controversial custom hoodie featuring the spiritual leader.
The pop icon, 65 -who has a decades-long history of running afoul of the Vatican due to her use of provocative religious and sexual imagery in her work - donned a black Seks hoodie which featured the religious leader wearing robes emblazoned with the word Madonna.
The head of the Catholic Church was also sporting a set of flaming wings in the hoodie's artwork - with Madge flipping the middle finger as she modeled the design.
The glamorous post was in ironic reference to Madonna's iconic quote: 'I would like to see the Pope wearing my T-shirt.'
Designers Abel Cepeda Ljoka and Will Kowall told Page Six the creation was inspired by Madge’s iconic quote, adding: 'We used red thread inspired by the Kabbalah red string to protect the wearer’s energy.'
![Oh dear: Madonna poked fun at Pope Francis on Tuesday as she donned a controversial custom hoodie featuring the spiritual leader](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/04/22/76178397-12595147-image-a-1_1696455226432.jpg)
Oh dear: Madonna poked fun at Pope Francis on Tuesday as she donned a controversial custom hoodie featuring the spiritual leader
![Shoutout: The pop icon, 65, who has a decades-long history of running afoul of the Vatican - donned a hoodie which featured the religious leader wearing robes emblazoned with the word Madonna (the Pope is pictured October 2023)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/04/22/76179279-12595147-image-a-2_1696455355015.jpg)
Shoutout: The pop icon, 65, who has a decades-long history of running afoul of the Vatican - donned a hoodie which featured the religious leader wearing robes emblazoned with the word Madonna (the Pope is pictured October 2023)
The star has been vying for a sit-down with the Pope for many years.
In 2022 Madonna tweeted: 'Hello @Pontifex Francis —I’m a good Catholic. I Swear! I mean I don’t Swear! It's been a few decades since my last confession.
'Would it be possible to meet up one day to discuss some important matters ? I’ve been ex communicated 3 times. It doesn’t seem fair. Sincerely Madonna.'
In 2019 the star told Andrew Denton, that she'd be interested in sitting down with the head of the Catholic Church at the Vatican to discuss what Jesus thought about women's rights.
If she had a chance to speak to the pope, Madonna said she'd ask: 'Let's talk about Jesus' point of view about women. Let's talk about it.'
'What do you really think he thought of women? And don't you think Jesus would agree that a woman has the right to choose what to do with her body?'
The singer was optimistic that the meeting may actually occur, adding: 'One day he might invite me. I think this one might... I think he would be open to having that conversation with me.'
In 2015, the star quipped the Pope was 'stalking her' after he was in NYC at the same time as one of her concerts.
She said: 'Rules are for fools. That's why I like the new pope. He seems very open-minded.'
![Wow: The head of the Catholic Church was also sporting a set of flaming wings in the hoodie's artwork - with Madge flipping the middle finger as she modeled the design](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/04/22/76179433-12595147-Wow_The_head_of_the_Catholic_Church_was_also_sporting_a_set_of_f-a-6_1696456438494.jpg)
Wow: The head of the Catholic Church was also sporting a set of flaming wings in the hoodie's artwork - with Madge flipping the middle finger as she modeled the design
![Controversial: The star sparked outrage when she was strapped to a giant cross and wore a crown of thorns during her 2006 Confessions World Tour (pictured performing in London)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/04/22/76179957-12595147-Controversial_The_star_sparked_outrage_when_she_was_strapped_to_-a-7_1696456438841.jpg)
Controversial: The star sparked outrage when she was strapped to a giant cross and wore a crown of thorns during her 2006 Confessions World Tour (pictured performing in London)
It was just one of many comments about Francis at a concert that featured lots of religious imagery, including female performers wearing nuns' habits — and little else — pole dancing on crosses.
'The pope is stalking me,' she said, noting she recently performed in New York, where Francis was. 'Either he's a copycat or he's secretly in love with me.'
After climbing up on a table in a clingy, shimmering dress, the provocateur said: 'I made it. Can the pope do that?'
And then: 'I've been excommunicated from the Catholic Church three times. It shows the Vatican really cares,' she joked.
'Since Popey-wopey is on his way over here, I want to dedicate this song to him,' she said before launching into a heartfelt version of 'La Vie en Rose.'
Following her concert, Madonna took to social media to gush about the Pope's impending visit, once again complimenting the figure.
'Shhhhhhhh.................the Pope is in my neighborhood! Im hoping he pays me a visit! He seems very open minded. hes a [heart emoji] ️#rebelheart 2,' she wrote.
![Speaking up:In 2019 the star told Andrew Denton, that she'd be interested in sitting down with the head of the Catholic Church at the Vatican to discuss what Jesus thought about women's rights](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/04/22/14936958-12595147-Speaking_up_In_2019_the_star_told_Andrew_Denton_that_she_d_be_in-m-26_1696455924288.jpg)
Speaking up:In 2019 the star told Andrew Denton, that she'd be interested in sitting down with the head of the Catholic Church at the Vatican to discuss what Jesus thought about women's rights
Madonna, raised Roman Catholic in Michigan, has a long history of running afoul of the Vatican.
Her 1989 video for Like A Prayer contained imagery that outraged religious leaders, including stigmata and burning crosses.
Her seminal 1990 'Blond Ambition' tour included simulated masturbation and brought condemnation from the Vatican.
And in her 2006 Confessions tour, she staged a mock crucifixion only a few miles from the Vatican.
Madonna is preparing to go on her first tour in three years following a health scare this summer that put her in the hospital.
The tour will begin on October 14 in London - with the star playing three further dates on October 15, 17 and 18 at the 02 Arena.
Earlier last month, People claimed that the mother of six was very excited to hit the road to perform her new songs.
'She returned to rehearsals last Monday. She's so happy to be back onstage and is feeling strong,' a source shared.
'She's working closely with her longtime collaborators, Jamie King and Stuart Price, to put the final touches on the show,' says the source, adding that the run of shows is the icon's 'most ambitious tour ever.'
After London the star will make stops in Copenhagen, Barcelona, Paris, Milan and more.
Madonna first announced the Celebration Tour in January.