A photography series by Gonzalo Orquín was to be displayed at an opening at Rome's Galleria L’Opera last Wednesday.
The series features couples, both gay and straight, kissing in various churches in Rome.
But if you went to see his "Trialogo" exhibition, this is what you would find:
The photos were covered after Orquín received a letter from the Vatican threatening legal action over the series.
Vicariate spokesman Claudio Tanturri told The Local the photos infringed upon "the advancement of man in the particular place for the expression of faith."
Italian constitutional law safeguards an individual's religious feeling and the function of places of worship. Therefore photos that are not suitable and do not conform to the spirituality of the place offend and infringe upon the advancement of man in the particular place for the expression of faith.
All but one of the 16 photographs were taken in churches in Rome.
"I didn't do it to provoke the Church, I did it to demonstrate a union between God and two people," Orquín said in defense of his work.
After receiving the letter and speaking with lawyers, Orquín covered the photos for "security reasons."
Until the gallery’s lawyers and the Vatican come to an agreement over the series, they will remain covered.
