The statue of Italian Saint Petronio was defaced this weekend by vandals.
Vandals spray painted “Allah Akbar” on the base of the statue.
The archdiocese released this statement.
Via Repubblica Italia (translated):
The Archdiocese of Bologna “strongly condemns the act of those who have smeared with a provocative inscription on the pedestal of the statue of San Petronio, the civil and religious symbol of the city. Use the name of God to offend others is blasphemy.” “At the appropriate authorities – underline the Archdiocese sources – the task of identifying those responsible. All citizens ask you not to give in to the logic of conflict and to prevail rather than the reasons for the collaboration of all people to peaceful coexistence.”
Bologna, cancellata la scritta "Allah akbar" ai piedi della statua di San Petronio https://t.co/qwJ6jBnMAs pic.twitter.com/wrcCNGfcO2
— Repubblica Bologna (@rep_bologna) June 27, 2016
Italy is on the front line of Europe’s migrant crisis. According to the BBC, almost 50,000 migrants have come ashore so far this year from north Africa.
