ROME (RNS)—
Recently, sensational allegations have emerged in several parishes in Italy against priests involved in revelry, pornographic videos and prostitution, sending shockwaves all the way to the Vatican to challenge Pope Francis's high standards of clerics.
For example, in the southern city of Naples, recently, A priest in the parish of Santa Maria degli Angeli was suspended for claiming that he held a gay carnival and used Internet sites to recruit potential partners for sex.
Allegations about priests
When an anonymous letter was sent to the bishop of Naples, Mario Orlando was brought to the attention of the parish.
When Orlando was summoned by Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, the city's archbishop, he denied the allegations, but is now facing a formal investigation by local church officials.
In the northern city of Padua, a 48-year-
Old priest, pastor
Andrea Contin, who faces defrost and judicial proceedings, is accused of having as many as 30 lovers, some of whom he took to a resort in France.
On December, after three women filed a complaint against him, Contin was taken away from his parish of St. Lazaro.
Bishop Claudio chipoora of Padova shortened his visit to Latin America to deal with the scandal.
"I feel suspicious and painful about these allegations," ciplla said at a press conference last month . ".
"This is unacceptable behavior for priests, Christians and even men.
A woman who claimed to be a Contin lover for more than three years claimed that the priest carried sex toys and bundled equipment and used his wife for prostitution.
Exchange the website and invite other priests in the area to the sex party.
"Even if there are no legal consequences at the end of this matter, canon law has an obligation to take disciplinary action," ciplolla said . ".
He also revealed that Pope Francis personally called him at the end of January to show support and urge him to remain "strong ".
Since his election, the pope has taken a tough stance on the moral conduct of the church, although he also recognizes the reality of human imperfections and personal flaws.
In recent weeks, the pope has repeatedly publicly opposed the "temptation", and last week he told the clergy to meet in the Holy Church.
John Rutland said in Rome that faith cannot be improved without the challenge of temptation.
"There is always temptation in our lives.
In addition, if there is no temptation, you will not be able to make progress in faith . "
Alberto Meloni, professor of church history at Modena University and Reggio Emilia, said there was nothing unusual about the scandal of the clergy.
"The priest did not commit any sin.
"It seems to me that the scandal is normal," he said . ".
"I don't think the fantasy of stopping the scandal by better selecting people is very promising, and it doesn't produce a lot of results.
"Francis has often called for a more rigorous screening of seminary students and has taken direct action when the Italian scandal breaks out.
A proper example: when the story of the "playboy priest" surfaced in the Diocese of Alberga, Italy --
At the end of 2014, in the Empire of the northern region of Liguria, the Pope sent a special envoy to investigate the clergy who posted their nude photos on gay websites, sexually harassed loyal believers, and
Two years later, the Pope replaced Bishop Mario Olivier, the parish leader.
The commentator and author of the great reformist: Francis and the creation of radical popes, Austin ivelli, said that the pope distinguished sin from corruption, and intend to "eradicate" corruption within the church.
"For those who give in to temptation, the remedy is forgiveness and a new beginning," Ivereigh said . ".
"The problem is that when the priests turn their backs on the people, live a hidden life, and finally defend their actions.
That's corruption.
"Because of clergy, it is only possible in the clergy.
That's why the Pope is so keen to eradicate it.