VATICAN – The Pope has accepted the resignation of a shamed bishop found guilty of having a sexual relationship with a “grown woman” who was “very close to his own age”.
After being photographed hugging the woman in question, officials believe bishop Fernando Bargallo had no option but to vacate his position “or risk bringing Catholicism into disrepute.”
The woman, who has not been named, is alleged to be old enough to be his legitimate significant other.
‘It’s best he go now’
The Argentine was cited for “serious immoral behaviour that did not involve someone less than half his age,” and was heavily criticised following his departure.
“What he does in the privacy of his own confessional booth is his business, but to have these images made public is makes us all look bad,” said one priest.
“What makes it worse is she probably consented – this whole thing makes my skin crawl.”
Cardinal Luis Cartier told of his dismay when he learned of the Catholic sex scandal that made no mention of altar boys, agreeing that Bargallo did the right thing for the sake of the church’s reputation.
“I’m all for tolerance of one’s mistakes, but we have to draw the line somewhere.”
‘Wait till God hears about this’
The cardinal went on to suggest that while Pope Benedict may have forgiven him, others may not be so understanding.
When the scandal broke last week it became apparent this was something “we couldn’t just cover up like we have in the past.”
“If we were talking children then absolutely. But a fully grown adult? No no no, this is too much dirt.”
One priest who worked with Bargallo claimed he saw this incident coming.
“I could tell that one was a bad egg from the start,” said clergyman John Williams while rubbing his hands.
“The way he looked at the children as if they were non sexual objects there to be educated and protect from the dangers of society and nothing more.”
“He had to go.”