An Italian cardinal criticised the Western media on Friday over its publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed which have inflamed spirits in the Islamic world.
"Freedom of the press, including satire, must stop where religious belief begins," said Cardinal Ersilio Tonini, urging the European media to be more "responsible" when religious issues were concerned.
"There should be more respect for religion, whatever religion it is. What has happened over the last few days is an ugly, very ugly sign which should make us think." he continued.
The controversial cartoons first appeared in a Danish daily in September. Despite protests from Islamic circles, newspapers in several European countries have since reprinted them, arguing that it is a question of press freedom.
As polemics mounted, several Italian papers printed some of the caricatures on Friday.
The head of the Vatican's department for Eastern Churches also called for more respect towards the Islamic world in an interview published on Friday in Corriere della Sera, the country's best-selling daily.
Cardinal Achille Silvestrini said: "Western culture must find a limit to its goal of making freedom an absolute (value). We too, here in Europe, should rebel against the idea of mocking religious symbols."
