Vatican authorities raided a drug-fueled gay sex party at the apartment of one of the aide to one of Pope Francis' key advisers, according to a new report.
Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano reports that Vatican police raided the apartment of the cardinal in June.
The apartment belongs to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a Vatican department with duties that include investigating clerical sexual abuse.
When police arrived at the scene it's claimed they found they a group of men having sex along with drugs.
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The occupant of the home, a secretary to cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, was arrested and taken for questioning, reports the Daily Mail.
Pope Francis arriving for his weekly general audience, in St.Peter's Square, at the Vatican last week. (Credit: PA Images)
Although Coccopalmerio's secretary had been put forward for promotion to bishop, the proposed job offer has now been rescinded, with Pope Francis allegedly so angered by the revelations that he has demanded the cardinal retire early.
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The scandal comes a week after sex abuse allegations were made against high-ranking Cardinal George Pell.
Credit: PA Images
Pell has protested his innocence and claims he is looking forward to having his day in court after a two-year investigation, 'leaks to the media' and 'relentless character assassination', reports the Guardian.
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Since Pope Francis assumed the role in 2013, he has often spoken out against the pitfalls of 'temptation'.
The Pope is believed to have been 'saddened' on hearing that two lesbian nuns tied the knot late last year, reports the Daily Mail.
Federica, 44, and Isabel, 40, married in northern Italy following a law being passed that allows same-sex couples legal recognition in the country.
Credit: PA Images
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"There are many such cases where priests or nuns hide their relationships with men or women," the pair were quoted as saying.
"We felt alone, more than that, we felt abandoned."
The Church teaches that homosexuality is not sinful but homosexual acts are, and according to Deputy Secretary of State Archbishop Angelo Becciu, the pope wasn't too happy for the newlyweds.
He tweeted: "How much sadness on the pope's face when I read him the news of the two married 'nuns."
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The Italian Bishops Conference had previously come out firmly against the government's Civil Union bill, arguing that it undermined the status of traditional families.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Italy