Vatican City, Aug 4, 2009 / 11:23 am
Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See’s Press Office, issued a statement today strongly denying reports in the Italian media that the Vatican is drafting new guidelines regarding the illegitimate children of priests.
The Italian daily “La Stampa” published a report last weekend claiming the Congregation for the Clergy is studying measures to address the cases of illegitimate children fathered by priests. According the report, “a sort of civil contract” was being considered that would allow children to carry the priest’s last name and have inheritance rights.
Father Lombardi categorically denied that any such policy is being considered by the Vatican and said the report in La Stampa “has no foundation.”