One of the Pope's special emissary, Angelo Balducci, who is a "Gentlemen of His Holiness" (Papal Gentlemen), has been arrested for alleged involvement in a gay prostitution ring. Balducci helped carry the coffin of Pope John Paul II.
Balducci was caught on wiretaps in a separate corruption case.
According to the Italian Press the recordings reveal Balducci negotiating with Nigerian-born Ghinedu Ehiem, a 'soprano' from the St Peter's Basilica Choir, who performs the services of providing male prostitutes, as part of the larger prostitution ring. Another Soprano Angelo 'Voice of an Angel' is also implicated.
Two other arrested were a Vatican engineering and construction consultant and board member of Italy's pubic works department.
A spokesman for Benedict the pope "was aware of the matter" but said nothing more.