An Italian priest has angered the Vatican after claiming the earthquakes that have shaken the country killing hundreds and leaving thousands homeless were “divine punishment” for gay civil unions. Cavalcoli told Radio Maria that the seismic shocks were “divine punishment” for “the offence to the family and the dignity of marriage, in particular through civil unions”. Italy is one of the last western European countries to legally recognise same-sex relationships, having introduced legislation last month to allow gay civil unions. It is not the first time comments by members of the Italian clergy have embarrassed the Catholic church. In 2012 another Italian priest sparked outrage by delivering a Christmas message that claimed women were to blame for men’s violence towards them because they wore “filthy clothes” and served “cold suppers”.

Source: The Guardian November 05, 2016 17:17 UTC