Scandal in Brazil after priest’s alleged homosexual encounter shown on TV
March 17, 2010
An 82-year-old Brazilian priest, Msgr. Luiz Marques Barbosa, has been suspended after the television network Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão (SBT) aired a video that apparently portrays a 2009 homosexual encounter between the priest and a 19-year-old. Later tracked down by a reporter, Msgr. Barbosa said that he could only answer “in Confession” the question of whether he had abused boys.
Salesian Bishop Valério Breda of Penedo also suspended Monsignor Raimundo Gomes, 52, and Father Edilson Duarte, 43, for alleged homosexual activity with boys and young men. Penedo is located in the eastern Brazilian state of Alagoas.
Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, denied an earlier media report that two of the priests were bishops.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Sex scandal embroils Catholic Church in Brazil (AP)
- Vatican: Accused Brazilian Abusers Not Bishops (Zenit)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
