June 18, 2010 | Arts / Entertainment

The Pope ain't gonna like this ...

Critically acclaimed Irish artist Kevin Sharkey has created a new piece of art that is sure to cause a fuss. Called 'You May Now Kiss The Groom,' the image is of Pope Benedict XVI presiding over the wedding of two homosexuals.

Sharkey, 47, made the piece to challenge the Pope's assertion that gay marriage is evil and dangerous.

"I got the idea for this piece when I read a newspaper headline, where the Pope had labelled gay marriage the biggest threat to our society," Sharkey said. "I am familiar with the traditional stance which the Catholic Church is expected to take, but I just felt condemning thousands of innocent people with such strong remarks is both unchristian and insulting.

"When I think all the evil in the World, from terrorism, to disease, to famine, I find it horrifying that a man with The Pope's incredible power and influence can only focus on something as minor as gay marriage."

The work goes on display in Dublin at the end of June. Perhaps Benedict will be inspired and have a change of heart. Yeah, right.

'You May Now Kiss The Groom' - The Pope in edgy new gay marriage artwork [Click Liverpool]