ARGENTINA
CNN
Monday, August 22, 2005; Posted: 8:17 p.m. EDT (00:17 GMT)
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- The resignation of a leading bishop, Juan Carlos Maccarone, shook Argentina's church hierarchy as a published report alleged his departure was triggered by an improper relationship.
Church authorities on Friday reported the resignation of the bishop of Santiago del Estero, but did not give a reason why he was leaving his diocese in central Argentina.
On Sunday, the prominent newspaper Clarin ran a front-page story citing sources as saying a video containing "compromising images" had been received by church officials that purportedly linked Maccarone to a 23-year-old man.
The paper said its report was based on authoritative sources it did not identify by name. Church officials had no immediate comment on the report.
Local diocesan church authorities have denied the report and said the churchman was leaving due to health reasons, local news agency Diarios y Noticias reported.