Two separate, highly embarrassing Church scandals have generated lurid coverage in the Italian press.
A north Italian priest has been removed from office after allegations he looked for gay lovers on the Internet and had been involved in gay orgies.
The priest admitted online to sexual relationships with other religious figures – as well as members of the Vatican’s elite Swiss Guard – and to using the Internet to find new partners.
After local Church authorities failed to act following an official complaint, the complainant went to the media with the story.
After the facts had been reliably established, the priest was removed from office with his archbishop saying his behaviour had been “absolutely incompatible with the priestly ministry”.
And a priest in southern Italy is under investigation on suspicion of murdering one of his female parishioners.
The second priest has asserted his innocence.