Chocolate Jesus angers US Catholics

A chocolate Jesus on display at a gallery in New York has angered a US Catholic group.

The six-foot sculpture, entitled My Sweet Jesus, has led to criticism from the American Catholic civil rights organisation, the Catholic League.

The 200 pound (90 kilogram) milk chocolate sculpture opts to break with a further convention by depicting Jesus without a loincloth.

Bill Donohue, head of the watchdog Catholic League, was quoted by the Associated Press as saying: "This is one of the worst assaults on Christian sensibilities ever.

"It's not just the ugliness of the portrayal, but the timing - to choose Holy Week is astounding," he added.

The sculpture is scheduled to appear on Monday evening, the day after Palm Sunday ? just four days before Roman Catholics mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday.

Host, The Lab gallery, is said to be considering its options after a barrage of complaints.

The artist, Cosimo Cavallaro, is known for incorporating food into his work: he once painted a hotel room with mozzarella cheese.