Priest to marry pregnant girlfriend

Priests are forbidden to have sexual relations by the Church

A Roman Catholic priest who used to run the Vatican's television channel has announced his intention to leave the priesthood and marry a journalist, who is already pregnant with their child.

As soon as we can we will marry

Ugo Moretto

The 45-year-old Ugo Moretto, who headed Pope John Paul II's television service for four years, became involved with the 35-year-old when she was also employed at the Vatican channel.

"We are not married but we are living together and as soon as we can we will marry," the Italian priest told the daily newspaper Corriere della Sera. "My friend is three months pregnant."

The Roman Catholic Church does not allow priests to marry, or have sexual relations.

Priestly precedent

Mr Moretto resigned from the Vatican television service last July and now runs a local Catholic channel.

Last year the Church faced embarrassment when a Zambian archbishop married a South Korean in a "Moonie" mass wedding.

Three months later, however, Emmanuel Milingo renounced his wife and returned to full communion with the Church following talks with the Vatican.

The Vatican has not commented on the case of Mr Moretto.