Pope to investigate ‘playboy priests’ who posted nudes on gay websites
The Pope is to send a representative to investigate allegations that a diocese in northern Italy includes priests who posted naked photos on gay websites.
According to reports, the Pope will send an “apostolic administrator” to assess the allegations at the diocese of Albenga-Imperia, which also include priests getting tattooed, stealing money and working as barmen.
Some priests posted nude photos of themselves on Facebook, and on gay websites and others have been accused of sexually harassing parishioners, some living with gay partners, and stealing from Communion money, reports the Telegraph.
One priest was found guilty of operating an under-age prostitution ring. Father Luciano Massaferro, was sentenced to over seven years in prison for sexually abusing an alter boy.
Bishop Oliveri, who has been in charge of the diocese for the past 25 years, will be investigated, despite not being directly implicated. The Bishop has in the past defended Father Massaferro.
He is expected to be replaced soon by an auxiliary bishop.
A Vatican spokesman has confirmed that the Holy See will be conducting an investigation, following a large volume of complaints by parishioners.
