Pope Benedict XVI shuts down Rome monastery and kicks out its monks after it gained notoriety for hosting a performance by a lap dancer-turned-nun
Pope Benedict XVI shuts down Rome monastery and kicks out its monks after it gained notoriety for hosting a performance by a lap dancer-turned-nunPope Benedict XVI has shut down a 1,500-year-old famous monastery in Rome that organised dances by a stripper-turned nun and hosted VIPs like Madonna. Vatican officials have launched an inquiry following claims of 'liturgical abuse' at the monastery, after reports that the nuns were dancing around the altar during services. Among them was sister Anna Nobili (38), who became an overnight YouTube sensation after footage of the stripper-turned-nun preaching was posted on the Internet.
Heavens above: Rome's Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem played
host to dancing nuns includingu00a0 Anna Nobili. The Vatican's Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life, which investigates allegations of misconduct in monasteries and convents, began their investigation after reports of the dancing nuns reached Pope Benedict.
The order of Cistercian monks is based in the monastery, which is in Rome's Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.
It is one of the Catholic Church's most popular shrines and contains relics from Christ's Crucifixion.
In recent years, it has become the focal point for the Friends of Santa Croce, an aristocratic group who have attracted criticism for their unorthodox interpretation of religionu00a0-- including the dancing nunsu00a0-- although they were not part of the order.
"The decision to investigate the monastery was launched after reports were received of what was going on thereu00a0-- we need to remember this is a holy shrine containing relics of Christ," said a Vatican source. "It was evident that the order had lapsed in its discipline and an Apostolic visitation was arranged, which resulted in the decision to close the monastery which was approved by Pope Benedict," he added. It is not the first time the monastery has been the subject of controversy.
Two years ago the abbot there Father Simone Fioraso, a flamboyant former designer, was removed following allegations of homosexuality. Three years ago, Madonna visited the basilica and spent more than an hour there on a guided tour of the relics after being secretly smuggled in through a side door. The order has been at the basilica for more than 1500 years and the monks and nuns there have now been moved to other monasteries and convents across Italy. Vatican spokesman Fr Ciro Benedetti confirmed that the monastery had closed.
Dancing nunAnna Nobili says she uses dance as a form of prayer, lies spread-eagled in front of the altar clutching a crucifix or twists and turns as in pole-dancing routines.
