Rome: new book charges many priests are sexually active
April 21, 2011
An Italian journalist has caused a stir in Rome with a new book that charges many priests routinely violate their vows of celibacy, with other men or with women.
Carmelo Abbate’s book, Sex and the Vatican, expands on a magazine article that he published last year, claiming that many priests in Rome are active homosexuals. In response to that article, Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the vicar of the Rome diocese, suggested that priests who “continued to take the benefits” of membership in the clergy, while ignoring clerical discipline, should either reform their lives or have the integrity to leave the priesthood.
The Vatican has not commented on the new book.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Italian book exposes Rome gay priest scene (AFP)
- Thousands of priests 'in illicit relationships with men and women' (Daily Telegraph)
- Cardinal challenges gay priests in Rome: reform or get out (CWN, 7/26/10)
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!
