Italy's Churches Trashed - for drunks and love

[dArKeR]

Visitors can no longer use the splendid entrance at Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major — it's sealed off because drunks and lovers had made it a hangout.

In Florence, Catholic officials complain that church steps are turning into latrines at night. Police in Venice plan to fine tourists for leaving lunch leftovers in the square outside St. Mark's Basilica.

Italy's churches draw millions of visitors each year, and anger is mounting over how some mistreat the nation's religious heritage.

Monsignor Timothy Verdon, on the staff at Florence's Duomo, or cathedral, held a news conference this week to denounce the lack of respect shown to that magnificent church.

“We used to get all the drunks. There were even people making love,” said Sandro Necciari, who works in the basilica's administration.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/07/30/world/main565922.shtml

Sounds like the Robertson, Falwell, Graham, Swaggart, Baker... churches.

http://darkerxdarker.tripod.com/