Poland bans sexy ads for pope

Sexy advertisements were put under wraps and a ban on liquor sales went into force on Thursday in areas that Pope Benedict will visit during his just-started tour of Poland.

An eye-catching outdoor poster for an anti-cellulite cream was covered up after a conservative group in this overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country complained that the sight of a woman's bare backside and thigh was offensive.

Tabloid newspapers refrained from publishing their customary topless models on their back pages on Thursday, while Warsaw bars were either closed or served only low alcohol content beer.

"We acknowledged this request to respect the feelings of the faithful," said Pierre Plassard, director of L'Oreal Polska, explaining why his company had covered up the advert.

"At the same time, we stress that, in our view, this advertisement does not infringe on the widely accepted social norm," he added

Beata Żmijewska, who works at the government press center, said the alcohol sale ban "is about properly participating in Pope Benedict's pilgrimage."

Benedict is set to retrace the steps of his predecessor John Paul during his trip to Poland, visiting cities such as Warsaw and Kraków and shrines that were central to his life in Poland and trips back as pope.

Source:Reuters