Pope Benedict XVI, struggling to repair the damage wrought by a wave of paedophile scandals, now faces a fresh challenge, from women loved - and often abandoned - by Catholic priests.
About a dozen women have written an open letter to the Pope challenging the Church's 900-year-old position that priestly celibacy is a sacred commitment.
"As far as I'm concerned, celibacy is completely useless," said one of the signatories, Stefania Salomone, 42, who had a five-year relationship with a priest.
Pointing to the Church's earlier history, she added: "People forget that there were 39 married popes."
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from World
Boy shot dead after Perth stabbing was in deradicalisation programme
Authorities say the boy had no links to an alleged network of teen extremists in Sydney.