Italy: Vatican, God and a 'surprise' in Madonna's Rome gig

Roma, 12 June - (AKI) - The Catholic Church, God and a "surprise" are all in the mix at Madonna's concert in the Italian capital Tuesday, the popstar told La Repubblica daily in an interview.

"Given that we're just yards away, my concert tonight in Rome will deal with my favourite subjects - the Vatican, the Church, Catholicism and God," Madonna told the paper.

The Italian American singer, who has outraged faith groups with her use of religious symbols on stage, confirmed her Rome gig will include some special effects.

"For sure there will be some, but I am counting on there being an element of surprise," Madonna said.

"It's no secret that my strict Catholic upbringing is something that I have elaborated, metabolised and also exorcised through music, songs, vidoes and performances," she told La Repubblica.

Madonna is this week on the Italian leg of her 2012 World Tour: Europe. After Tuesday's concert at Rome's Olympic Stadium, she is playing in the northern business capital Milan on Thursday and in Florence on Saturday.

The 53--year-old star sparked an international backlash when she deliberately bared her right breast during a concert in Istanbul's Turk Telecom arena on 7 June.