A Madonna concert planned on the Catholic feast day of the Assumption has been condemned as a “satanic provocation” by Lech Wałęsa, the former President of Poland, Solidarity leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

The concert, planned on August 15, coincides with the day when Catholics celebrate the day the Virgin Mary was physically taken up into heaven.

“This looks like a satanic provocation,” said Wałęsa, who for most of his life has worn a picture of the Virgin Mary on his lapel. “I wear her portrait on my chest, so it's understandable I'm not happy that the concert will take place on this day,” Walesa told Reuters, suggesting that the singer should move the date.

Madonna, born Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone Fortin, is a controversial singer who often uses religious imagery in her music and stage design. She staged a crucifixion scene on her Confessions Tour, which began in May 2006.

Source: Thomson Reuters