Vatican hit by gay sex scandal

Guardian ^ | March 4th 2010 | John Hooper in Romei

[Cardhu]

Vatican chorister sacked for allegedly procuring male prostitutes for papal gentleman-in-waiting.

The Vatican was today rocked by a sex scandal reaching into Pope Benedict's household after a chorister was sacked for allegedly procuring male prostitutes for a papal gentleman-in-waiting.

Angelo Balducci, a Gentleman of His Holiness, was caught by police on a wiretap allegedly negotiating with Thomas Chinedu Ehiem, a 29-year-old Vatican chorister, over the specific physical details of men he wanted brought to him. Transcripts in the possession of the Guardian suggest that numerous men may have been procured for Balducci, at least one of whom was studying for the priesthood.

The explosive claims about Balducci's private life have caused grave embarrassment to the Vatican, which has yet to publicly comment on the affair.

While Catholicism does not condemn homosexuality outright, its teaching is that homosexual acts "are intrinsically disordered". The Catechism of the Catholic church states unequivocally: "Under no circumstances can they be approved."

Balducci was arrested on 10 February, suspected of involvement in widespread corruption. A senior Italian government official, he is alleged to have to steered public works contracts towards favoured bidders. He has not been charged.

[Cardhu]

One of the most uplifting posts of the day.

[lonestar]

This is what I was referring to.

The Catholics are harder on a little kid who has control over none of it!

[JudyinCanada]

I see your point. Yes, they do need to be diligent to reject those whom they feel show a tendency toward homosexuality. It is a shame that this problem has somewhat smeared priests. For the most part, they are Godly men who serve sacrificially.

[JudyinCanada]

I greatly admire someone who is called to the vocation of priest.

Does this mean, however, that pastors, who I believe are also “called”, are not serving their calling because they marry?

If a man is called to remain single, to serve soley the priesthood, I believe God will make that clear to him. I don’t think it need be mandated by the church. He will know that. Perhaps that is too simplistic.

[A.A. Cunningham]

I understand the Catholic religion. I am one.

No you don't. If what you say is true you'd understand that 21 of the 22 Churches sui juris which comprise the Catholic Church, ordain, as a norm, married men.

There is, however, a shortage of priests.

There is a shortage of Priests in all 22 Churches. Just as there is a shortage of Priests in the Greek Orthodox Church and there is a shortage of ministers, across the board, in protestant denominations.

Do you have any explanation for the behavior of these protestants since celibacy can't be used by you as an excuse?

What you've posted is specious, at best.

[sionnsar]

I am not a Roman Catholic. However, there is not another body I know of that more thoroughly rejects homosexuality. Likewise, with abortion. I know of no body that more completely rejects abortion.
My sense is that enemies target with infiltration and embarrassment those groups that oppose them. Their hope is to: (1) be elevated to important positions from which they can change the policies of the organization, or (2) injure the organization.

Given that a high-profile group of Anglicans (T.A.C.) is in the process of converting to Roman Catholicism, this is relevant. Their conversion does not end their fight against the Enemy by any means.

Godspeed to them.

Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams.

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Speak the truth in love. Eph 4:15

[Mila]

As a Catholic I would like to sincerely thank you for your kind and thoughtful post.

[Simi Valley Tom]

According to the US Dept. of Ed, schools get 32,000 complaints of sexual abuse of children by teachers and administrators. The Catholic Church has averaged less than 250 a year going bback to 1950. . . .

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

schools get 32,000 complaints of sexual abuse of children by teachers and administrators

Is that per year? What is the source?

[JudyinCanada]

I concede that allowing priests to marry might not make much difference. I still, however, think that the priesthood is an attractive position to some homosexuals.

Wow - didn’t realize that many protestants were molesting young boys. The only thing I can think of is that there is an all out attack on the church, catholic and protestant. Sin is rampant, and the enemy of our souls must be enjoying this thoroughly.

[xzins]

as a Catholic...thank you

There are things about your denomination that I really appreciate.

[SunnyUsa]

I’m disgusted

[achilles2000]

Correct, and I have pointed this out myself. Parents addicted to aid-to-dependent-parents need to understand that government schools are extremely dangerous for their children - particularly the “good” suburban schools, where the dangers are real but well concealed.

[SunnyUsa]

I can’t believe he couldn’t get another priest, deacon etc to go to the dying person - most priest’s have some kind of “on call” person to cover them when they are at a family wedding - no less he’s officiating at the wedding. My brotherinlaw is a priest so I know

[PAR35]

Papal PayPals?

[Poe White Trash]

Of course, the Guardian is also entirely on the side of militant homosexuals and others who want to embarrass the Church, so they will make the most of something like this, as well.

If the Guardian is not your cup of tea, then here's an article from CNN that provides more details, but essentially says the same things:

Vatican choir singer involved in gay liaisons scandal

This seems more like an "Italian government scandal" than a "Vatican scandal." Please note the difference between the CNN headline and the CNN webpage link -- both for the same article.

I guess Roman Catholics are no doubt relieved that (a) no children were involved, and (b) no clergymen were involved.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Right here in River City.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

While Catholicism does not condemn homosexuality outright, its teaching is that homosexual acts “are intrinsically disordered”. The Catechism of the Catholic church states unequivocally: “Under no circumstances can they be approved.”

So, the Catholic church believes they can’t “approve” homosexual acts, that such acts are “disordered,” but homosexual acts are apparently not “sinful,” or they would be condemned by the Catholic church and God “outright?”

Bingo. This coziness with homosexuality is nourished by a "celibate" priestcraft which actually accords the title of "alter Christus" ("another Christ") to these men.

[1000 silverlings]

Ok, I read the article, I’m confused. Was the Pope’s social secretary setting up “meetings” or what was going on? Very bizarre

[Dr. Eckleburg]

No coincidence this comes out late in the week and is posted on a Friday. Bury it. Move along. What's the problem?

The "problem" is inherent in the institution. It always has been.