Author: Priests Have Active Sex Lives

Rome offers la dolce vita, including ample opportunities for sex, to both gay and straight Catholic priests -- and despite their celibacy vows, they are taking full advantage, claims a new book by Italian journalist Carmelo Abbate (pictured).

Abbate's book Sex and the Vatican: A Secret Journey in the Reign of the Chaste draws on his undercover reporting and interviews with priests who spoke on condition of anonymity. According to a news release from the book's publisher, Piemme, Abbate demonstrates that "priests of all nationalities divide their time between Via della Conciliazione [the main road leading to St. Peter's Basilica] and the party scene of Rome by night."

Abbate attracted much attention last year with a magazine article that documented the sexual activities of three gay priests. "Abbate has said he is not anti-clergy but aims to break the culture of secrecy surrounding the sex life of priests," Agence France-Presse reports.

His book will be published in Italian and French this month. Vatican officials declined comment on it.