(Thumbnail Image: The Guardian)

“A sex scandal is shaking up the Vatican. It involves an Italian government official with close ties to the pope. He allegedly had a Vatican choir singer arrange gay sexual encounters for himself."
 
The sex ring surfaced while police were wiretapping a high ranking Italian official, Angelo Balducci. He asked for actors, models, and two tall black Cuban men.  Now, people are speculating on yet another Vatican gay sex scandal.
 
We’re looking at perspectives from CNN, MSNBC, la Repubblica and CBS News.
 
The Vatican has cut ties with both men. MSNBC describes their former positions within the church.
 
 “They have arrested four people in a prostitution sting. One of them is part of the elite choir that sings for the pope at St. Peter’s Basilica. Another suspect is part of Pope Benedict’s ceremonial ushers.  This is the same group that acted as pall bearers for Pope John Paul.”
 
Italian daily newspaper, La Repubblica, reports the Vatican singer has admitted to getting men, for Balducci.  Some were seminary students and illegal immigrants. In a translation of the article he says:
 
“Balducci introduced me to an Italian who was an escort more than 10 years ago…I like women, I am disgusted at the idea. He asked if I could get him other men. He told me he was married and had to do it in secret. "
 
It’s been a rough year for the Catholic Church—embroiled in an Irish pedophilia scandal and Mexican corruption involving sex and money. But even after all that a CBS News consultant predicts another papal slap on the wrist.
 
“I'm sure the pope will have words about this, as well, just once again saying, 'This…is not what we believe and this is not what we teach, and people simply make mistakes.’”
 
While the pope avoids the issue, Catholic Church members tell CNN their reactions range from stunned to unsurprised.
 
“It has an impact on the church and an impact on all Catholics. Because I, as a Catholic, feel ashamed and it pushes me away from the Catholic Church.”
 
“My God, nothing surprises me anymore the way things are today.”
 
“I wasn’t expecting something like this. I was mortified.”

Do you think the Catholic Church can withstand any more of these sex scandals?