Gay priest suspended by Vatican.

ROLCAM · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 1:05 am Post subject: Gay priest suspended by Vatican.

Gay priest suspended by Vatican.

VATICAN CITY (UPI) -- An unidentified Catholic priest assigned to the Vatican who appeared in a TV program about gay priests has been suspended, a Vatican spokesman has confirmed.

Chief Vatican spokesman Father Frederico Lombari said an investigation would be launched regarding the unnamed monsignor, who appeared on a controversial TV program in Italy this month, the BBC reported Saturday.

Lombari added that the senior Vatican official was suspended for engaging in actions incompatible with his assigned status in the Roman Catholic Church.

The priest was recognized by several colleagues while appearing on the TV program, despite the fact his voice was disguised.

During the program, the unnamed priest said he had kept his sexuality a secret from his fellow Vatican officials due to the church's stance on homosexuality.

The BBC said the Vatican's decision to publicly confirm the priest's suspension marked a significant reversal in its policy on such matters. Previously, Vatican officials have rarely commented on sex scandals involving priests.
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