Italian priest blames earthquakes on gay civil unions

An Italian priest has angered the Vatican after claiming the earthquakes that have shaken the country, killing hundreds and leaving thousands homeless, were “divine punishment” for gay civil unions.

Fr Giovanni Cavalcoli, a theologian reportedly known for his hardline views, made the comments on 30 October, the day central Italy was struck by a 6.6-magnitude quake - the most powerful to hit the country in 36 years.

It was the third major quake in the region in just over two months.

Cavalcoli told Radio Maria that the seismic shocks were “divine punishment” for “the offence to the family and the dignity of marriage, in particular through civil unions”.

Italy is one of the last western European countries to legally recognise same-sex relationships, having introduced legislation last month to allow gay civil unions.

The radio station distanced itself from Cavalcoli’s views and the Vatican has issued a stinging rebuke, 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”.

Becciu asked for forgiveness from quake victims and reminded them they had the “solidarity and support” of Pope Francis.

However, according to the Guardian, Cavalcoli refused to back down, insisting to another radio station that earthquakes were caused by “the sins of man” and telling the Vatican to “read their catechism”.