Male escort alleges 40 gay priests in Naples in 1,200 page dossier

At least one priest faces criminal charges.

A male escort in Italy has sent a 1,200-page dossier to the Vatican in which he alleges at least 34 priests and six seminarians are engaged in same-sex relations. The dossier contains evidence including What's App conversations. None of the accused are thought to have been involved with minors, but one priest is facing criminal investigation for embezzlement, drug activity, and extortion. 

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Saying he was disgusted with their hypocrisy, Francesco Mangiacapra, a self-described male escort, says at least 34 priests and six seminarians have contacted him with a desire to engage in same-sex sexual relations. 

Mangiacapra has made it clear that none of the allegations involve children; all of the parties involved are adults of consenting age. "We're talking about sins, not crimes," he told Italian media. 

However, one priest, Fr. Luca Morini has been accused of fraud, drug distribution, embezzlement, extortion and money laundering. He will face a judge in Naples this week for a hearing on the charges. He has been known for an extravagant lifestyle. 

His parishioners have reported that he would often ask for money, going so far as to ask for it during confessions. On other occasions, he told parishioners that he had visions from Padre Pio in which the saint would refer to a parishioner by name. He would then ask that person to pay thousands of euros to secure the saint's protection. Such activity appears to have been ongoing for more than 20 years. 

Francesco Mangiacapra exposed Fr. Morini after discovering the priest was impersonating a judge to conceal his true occupation. At that time, Fr. Morini had been spending a lot of money on Mangiacapra. Mangiacapra discovered the money was being stolen from the Church and decided to report the priest to his diocese. 

The diocese did not act in a timely fashion. In fact, the diocese only took action once they learned that a national news network had picked up the story and was seeking Fr. Morini for comment. The Diocese whisked Fr. Morini away to a nice home where he was housed for free, utilities included. 

The reason the diocese was so generous to Fr. Morini was because he had blackmailed the bishop, Giovanni Santucci. Fr. Morini warned the bishop he would expose the names and details of several diocesan priests who were also living scandalously. Bishop Santucci is now under investigation. 

The news program, "Le Lene" obtained footage for its show which appears to depict Fr. Morini snorting cocaine in the presence of several male escorts. Some of his parishioners also appeared on the program to complain about his apparent greed. 

The Vatican is investigating these claims, while Fr. Morini faces criminal charges. Meanwhile, Francesco Mangiacapra says he has received a death threat for exposing the clergy to the Vatican and to the media. 

At this time, it is unclear if the allegations are true. Each person deserves a fair hearing. In cases where the allegations are true, the Church will be expected to handle each case on an individual basis, determining what the best course of action will be. Some individuals may be better served by jobs outside the Church. 

To the extent this is happening, it must stop. And not just in Naples, but in all churches around the world. The Church hierarchy cannot ignore or cover up the sins of its clergy and still expect to be taken seriously when speaking with moral authority. Fortunately, there is now every indication the Chruch will respond swiftly and adequately to such accusations when they are made. 

It should be emphasized that with the exception of Fr. Morini, no laws appear to have been broken by these accused clergymen, and none of these cases involve children.