An Italian priest has said the recent earthquakes that have shaken the country, killing hundreds and leaving tens of thousands homeless, were "divine punishment" for gay civil unions, earning the Vatican's wrath.
Father Giovanni Cavalcoli, a theologian known for his hard-line views, made the comments on October 30, the day central Italy was struck by a 6.6-magnitude quake -- the most powerful to hit the country in 36 years -- according to Italian media.
It was the third major quake in the same region in just over two months.
Italy quake aftermath: Map of Italy showing zones most at risk of earthquakes. © Provided by AFP Map of Italy showing zones most at risk of earthquakes. Cavalcoli said on 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".
Follow MSN SA on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news updates.
The radio station distanced itself from his views and late Friday the Vatican issued a stinging rebuke, saying the idea of a vengeful God was "a pagan vision" dating from "the pre-Christian era".