Italy's Recent Earthquakes Is 'Divine Punishment' For Gay Marriage, Claims Priest

An Italian priest has blamed the country's earthquakes, which have killed hundreds and left thousands homeless, on gay civil partnerships. Father Giovanni Cavalcoli said the seismic shocks were 'divine punishment' for same-sex civil unions 'offending the family' and the 'dignity of marriage'. 

He made the comments on 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 same region in just over two months. 

The radio station he aired the controversial views on last week, Radio Maria, distanced itself from the comments. 

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'.