Comments by Northern League Leader Matteo Salvini about Roma people were "absurd" and "stupid", the head of the Vatican's department for migrants told ANSA on Wednesday.
Cardinal Antonio Maria Veglio said Salvini took "an extreme position" when the politician said that Roma camps should be razed.
"These are extreme positions, absurd, like those who say 'Muslims? Kill them all.' Or, 'Migrants? They should all go home'," added the cardinal, who said it was hardly worth wasting time discussing such remarks.
Salvini's comments about destroying the sites were the traditionally nomadic Roma live were "disturbing," House Speaker Laura Boldrini said earlier in the day.
Salvini reacted by saying that it was "disturbing" that Boldrini, who he called a leftwinger, was House Speaker.
"I demand the same rights and duties for all," said Salvini, whose party takes strong position against immigration into Italy. Earlier, he called for a "revolt of the respectable," urging Italians to renounce their nationality and apply for political asylum "so that they can enjoy the same rights as illegal immigrants".
He said the League would hold nationwide rallies on the weekend to back their demands.
Salvini also took aim at the Roma population, suggesting they are treated better than the average citizens.
He also called for a form of flat tax of 15% on income.
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