An Italian priest(75) has been removed from his position after making a series of controversial comments on live television.

The cleric sparked controversy when he said that "can understand paedophilia" on live television.

"I have worked a lot with schools and I know children".

“Unfortunately, there are children who seek out affection because they do not receive it at home. And maybe if they come across some priest, well maybe he will yield (to temptation). I understand this ... It doesn’t surprise me that these type of cases exist because the Church is a community of sinners”.

When asked if the children were "in any way responsible", he replied "In many cases, yes".

He continued: "Homosexuality, I don’t know, I think it’s a sickness".

Don Gino Flaim(75), made the comments on Italian current affairs TV programme, 'The Way The Wind Is Blowing'.

Archbishop of Trent, Luigi Bressan, went on record to distance the diocese from the controversial comments.

"The Church in Trent fully disassociates itself from the statements made by one of our elderly diocesan priests to the TV channel, La 7", he said.

"Interviewed by the TV reporter in an entirely casual context, he expressed sentiments which in no way represent either the position of the archdiocese of Trento or the feelings of the entirely ecclesiastical community".

Online Editors