ITALY
The Local
The Vatican has launched an investigation into a diocese in north-west Italy following a series of scandals by “playboy priests”, including one being convicted for sexual abuse and another posting naked photos of himself on Facebook.
Pope Francis has ordered a Catholic Church representative to help bishop Mario Oliveri bring his priests into line, Il Messaggero reported.
During his 25-year-old reign over the diocese of Albenga-Imperia, Oliveri has allegedly turned a blind eye to the actions of priests under his direction.
They include Luciano Massaferro, who was sentenced to seven years and eight months for sexual abuse, and Gabriel Viorel Irla, a priest who allegedly posed naked on Facebook. Another priest – Alfonso Maria Parente – reportedly stole money from a Catholic church.
Other priests have raised eyebrows for working in bars at night and having tattoos, Il Messaggero said.
The Vatican’s decision to intervene follows a visit to the diocese by envoy Adriano Bernardini, after a local woman, Luisia Bonello, sent a dossier to the Pope detailing the scandals. Bonello committed suicide last month and an investigation is currently underway into her death.
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