A Roman Catholic activist priest in Italy caused controversy over Christmas by setting up a same-sex nativity scene at his church in Capocastello di Mercogliano, the Christian Post reports.

Father Vitaliano Della Sala, who pastors Church of Saints Peter and Paul, removed Joseph, Jesus’ human father, and replaced him with a woman.

In the process, he suggested this display not only supported same-sex unions but also represented the surrogacy needed for same-sex couples.

Della Sell is well-known for his controversial practices and has been dismissed from a parish in the past and later rehired.

Many described his lack of respect for the Christmas story as both blasphemous and provocative and called on the area’s bishop to remove the Nativity scene.

Della Sela stated in an interview with Portraits of Faith that one of the goals of his activism is to pressure the Roman Catholic Church from within to move it away from its traditional beliefs.

It seems to be working.

Della Sela stated in an interview with Reuters that his Nativity scene falls in line with a recent announcement by Pope Francis that introduced another level of blessing, which allows Priests to bless same-sex unions.

Priest in Italy creates a same-sex nativity scene. Replaces St. Joseph with another woman, who is shrouded in LGBT colours.

Over to you Holy Father. pic.twitter.com/1LuXnhxET6

— Timeless Faith ✠ (@timelessfaithh) December 24, 2023