An Italian priest has angered the Vatican after claiming the earthquakes that have shaken the country killing hundreds and leaving thousands homeless were “divine punishment” for gay civil unions.

Fr Giovanni Cavalcoli, a theologian known for his hardline views, made the comments on 30 October, the day central Italy was struck by a 6.6-magnitude quake – the most powerful to hit the country in 36 years.

It was the third major quake in the region in just over two months.

Cavalcoli told Radio Maria that the seismic shocks were “divine punishment” for “the offence to the family and the dignity of marriage, in particular through civil unions”.

Italy is one of the last western European countries to legally recognise same-sex relationships, having introduced legislation last month to allow gay civil unions.

The radio station distanced itself from Cavalcoli’s views and the Vatican has issued a stinging rebuke, saying the idea of a vengeful God was “a pagan vision” dating from “the pre-Christian era”.

Archbishop Angelo Becciu, number two in the Vatican’s powerful secretariat of state, said Cavalcoli’s comments were “offensive to believers and disgraceful for non-believers”.

Becciu asked for forgiveness from quake victims and reminded them they had the “solidarity and support” of Pope Francis.

However, Cavalcoli refused to back down, insisting to another radio station that earthquakes were caused by “the sins of man” and telling the Vatican to “read their catechism”.

It is not the first time comments by members of the Italian clergy have embarrassed the Catholic church.

Last month a priest was suspended from his parish in Trento after apparently defending paedophilia during a live TV interview, arguing that “children often seek affection”. Fr Gino Flaim of the San Giuseppe and Pio X parish claimed he “understands paedophilia” but added, “I’m not sure about homosexuality.”

When asked to explain his comments he told the La7 channel: “Paedophilia is a sin, and like all sins has to be accepted also.” He went on to describe homosexuality as “a disease”.

Following his suspension the priest said his words “do not represent the positions of Trento archdiocese and the general sentiment of the parish”.

In 2012 another Italian priest sparked outrage by delivering a Christmas message that claimed women were to blame for men’s violence towards them because they wore “filthy clothes” and served “cold suppers”.

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