Italian earthquakes were God’s punishment, priest says—prompting Vatican rebuke
November 07, 2016
An Italian Catholic priest has caused an outrage by saying that the recent earthquakes that shook central Italy were “divine punishment” for the acceptance of same-sex unions.
Father Giovanni Cavalcoli told a radio audience that the two earthquakes were a punishment for sins, “such as civil unions,” which were officially recognized in Italy beginning in May.
The priest’s remarks drew a sharp rebuke from the Vatican. Archbishop Angelo Becciu, the deputy Secretary of State, said that Father Cavalcoli’s “offensive statements” reflected an image of a “capricious and vengeful God.” The Vatican official remarked: “That is a pagan vision, not a Christian one.”
Undaunted, Father Cavalcoli said that Vatican officials should “go over their catechism.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
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!
-
Posted by: [email protected] -
Nov. 10, 2016 8:10 PM ET USA
Liberal Vatican higher ups who forgot their bible or just inconvenient to remember Sodom and Gomorrah.
-
Posted by: rjbennett1294 -
Nov. 08, 2016 6:45 AM ET USA
"(A) sharp rebuke from the Vatican"? Perhaps a better response would have been complete silence.
-
Posted by: jalsardl5053 -
Nov. 07, 2016 7:14 PM ET USA
The Vatican may disagree with Father Cavalcoli but to characterize his views as "offensive statements" is purely a secularist response. Continuing on as to a "pagan vision" certainly overlooks facts such as St. Faustina's accounting of the angel's sword over an unknown city. Yes, God is patient and loving but man's continuing arrogance will eventually draw a sharp rebuke-it's called justice.
