This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/8552804.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Vatican pair removed amid probe Vatican pair removed amid probe
(4 days later)
A senior aide to the Pope and a Vatican chorister have been removed from their posts over allegations of involvement in a homosexual prostitution ring. An aide to the Pope and a Vatican chorister have been removed from their posts over allegations of involvement in a homosexual prostitution ring.
The Vatican confirmed it had suspended Angelo Balducci, an usher known as a Gentleman to His Holiness, whose duties included greeting important visitors.The Vatican confirmed it had suspended Angelo Balducci, an usher known as a Gentleman to His Holiness, whose duties included greeting important visitors.
Police had been tapping his phone in connection with a corruption inquiry, when they heard about the sex ring.Police had been tapping his phone in connection with a corruption inquiry, when they heard about the sex ring.
The chorister, Ghinedu Thomas Ehiem, is said to have found men for Mr Balducci.The chorister, Ghinedu Thomas Ehiem, is said to have found men for Mr Balducci.
The Nigerian sang for 19 years in the Giulia Choir, which performs at St Peter's Basilica when the Pope is not present.The Nigerian sang for 19 years in the Giulia Choir, which performs at St Peter's Basilica when the Pope is not present.
In addition to being a Gentleman to His Holiness, Mr Balducci is an engineer who is a board member of Italy's public works department.In addition to being a Gentleman to His Holiness, Mr Balducci is an engineer who is a board member of Italy's public works department.
'Seminarian''Seminarian'
The case has made front-page news in the Italian media.The case has made front-page news in the Italian media.
Excerpts of wiretaps published in the Italian newspaper La Repubblica on Thursday, showed Mr Ehiem had been in regular contact with Mr Balducci before the latter was arrested on corruption charges last month.Excerpts of wiretaps published in the Italian newspaper La Repubblica on Thursday, showed Mr Ehiem had been in regular contact with Mr Balducci before the latter was arrested on corruption charges last month.
He asked and I executed. He would give me 50 or 100 euros, never more than 1,000 or 1,500 euros a year Ghinedu Thomas Ehiem, quoted in Italian newspaper PanoramaHe asked and I executed. He would give me 50 or 100 euros, never more than 1,000 or 1,500 euros a year Ghinedu Thomas Ehiem, quoted in Italian newspaper Panorama
The transcripts suggest that Mr Ehiem procured at least 10 contacts for Mr Balducci, including a male model and a rugby player.The transcripts suggest that Mr Ehiem procured at least 10 contacts for Mr Balducci, including a male model and a rugby player.
A police document prepared for magistrates said Mr Ehiem and another man were part of "an organised network... to abet male prostitution".A police document prepared for magistrates said Mr Ehiem and another man were part of "an organised network... to abet male prostitution".
Mr Balducci's lawyer, Franco Coppi, told the Reuters news agency he had no comment on the newest accusations against his client.Mr Balducci's lawyer, Franco Coppi, told the Reuters news agency he had no comment on the newest accusations against his client.
"We have much more serious things to be concerned with right now," he said, referring to the corruption charges."We have much more serious things to be concerned with right now," he said, referring to the corruption charges.
Mr Ehiem told the Italian newspaper Panorama that he would find men on the Pianeta Escort (Planet Escort) website and set up encounters between them and Mr Balducci at his apartment in Rome.Mr Ehiem told the Italian newspaper Panorama that he would find men on the Pianeta Escort (Planet Escort) website and set up encounters between them and Mr Balducci at his apartment in Rome.
"He asked and I executed. He would give me 50 or 100 euros, never more than 1,000 or 1,500 euros a year," Mr Ehiem added."He asked and I executed. He would give me 50 or 100 euros, never more than 1,000 or 1,500 euros a year," Mr Ehiem added.
A spokesman for the Vatican told the BBC that Pope Benedict XVI was aware of the matter.A spokesman for the Vatican told the BBC that Pope Benedict XVI was aware of the matter.