"Italy quakes was a ‘Divine Punishment’ for gay civil unions." - Says Catholic Priest

Italy has suffered some of its worst earthquakes in years leaving
hundreds dead and thousands homeless. A catholic priest, Father Giovanni
Cavalcoli said the natural disasters are 'divine punishment' for
same-sex civil unions 'offending the family' and the 'dignity of
marriage'.



He made the comments on radio on the day central Italy was
hit by a 6.6 quake, its worst in 36 years. It was the third major quake
in the same region in just over two months. Radio Maria where the priest
made outrageous claim has hurriedly distanced itself from his comments
and the Vatican has hit out at the views, saying the idea of a vengeful
God was 'a pagan vision' dating from 'the pre-Christian era'.



Archbishop Angelo Becciu, number two in the Vatican's powerful
Secretariat of State, said Cavalcoli's comments were 'offensive to
believers and disgraceful for non-believers', he also asked the
forgiveness of quake victims and told them they had the 'solidarity and
support' of Pope Francis.

The offending priest has however stuck to his guns.

He insisted on
another radio station that earthquakes were indeed caused by 'the sins
of man' and told the Vatican to 'read their catechism'.

Legislation in Italy allowing gay civil partnerships was brought in last
month, making it the last country in Western Europe to legally
recognise same-sex relationships.