Racy Catholic calendar angers Spain church leaders

SANT JOAN, Mallorca – A Roman Catholic youth group in Spain came up with a risque idea to raise money: pose nearly nude for a calendar recreating scenes from the Passion of Christ.

The group has almost sold out of the 10-euro ($13) 2011 calendars and is considering another print run. But Mallorca's Bishop Jesus Murgui is blasting the effort as showing disrespect for the most important Catholic date.

"The calendar trivializes Easter," the Bishop's office said in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Friday.

Members of the Davallament Catholic group of young adults say the calendar's popularity shows they have support.

They paid €1,500 for 300 calendars and will use profits to buy material for their work.