Pope Benedict XVI’s surprise retirement may have been influenced by a “network of gay prelates within the Vatican,” according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica. [Original article in Italian.]
Apparently, the Pope ordered a massive internal report after his butler, Paolo Gabriele, was convicted and found guilty of confiscating documents from the papal apartment. The report found some additional juicy and apparently overwhelming details.
From The Advocate:
The report said that several factions within the Vatican were breaking commandments, including the sixth (thou shalt not steal) and the seventh (thou shalt not commit adultery). The stealing mentioned was in reference to mismanagement at the Vatican Bank, IOR, and the sixth commandment is often referenced when speaking of homosexuality.
According to the report, the alleged gay network convened in a handful of locations in and around Rome, including a sauna, a beauty parlor, university housing being used by a provincial Italian archbishop, and a villa.
Not surprisingly, the Vatican isn’t saying much in response.
Father Federico Lombardi, a Vatican spokesman, released a statement on the accusations.
“Neither the cardinals’ commission nor I will make comments to confirm or deny the things that are said about this matter,” he said according to the Guardian (U.K.). “Let each one assume his or her own responsibilities. We shall not be following up on the observations that are made about this.”
Well, there’s a plot twist I wasn’t expecting! But even if the allegations are true, it’s hardly the worst scandal taking place within the Catholic Church.