A Catholic priest has been arrested after Vatican police raided his apartment where a drug-fuelled homosexual orgy was taking place.

The apartment belonged to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (or Holy Office) the department charged with, among other things, tackling clerical sexual abuse.

The occupant of the apartment is alleged to be the secretary of cardinal Francesco Coccopa­l­merio, head of the Pontifical Council for Legislative texts and a key adviser to the Pope, the Australian reports. He reportedly previously spent time in rehabilitation after a drug overdose.

Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano first reported the incident, alleging that neighbours became suspicious over the strange behaviour of many people coming and going at the apartment.

When police showed up at the apartment, they reportedly found drugs and a group of men engaged in sexual activity.

The priest was then arrested and taken for questioning.

A Vatican representative has declined to comment to the media.

Newshub