In Italy, a bishop has called for the strict separation of ecclesiastical office and political commitment.
The Bishop of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla, Giacomo Morandi, wrote in a letter to the parish priests of his diocese that "those who intend to run on any list in the upcoming elections must resign from positions of responsibility in the diocese or in the parishes".
The statement referred to the upcoming European and local elections in June, as the Italian daily newspaper "La Stampa" reported on Wednesday.
Lay people involved in the parishes who want to stand as candidates in the elections are affected.
Following criticism in the parishes, Morandi issued a further statement.
He regretted that his letter had been instrumentalised for inappropriate and polemical purposes, his diocese announced.
Both political commitment and church service required the full commitment of time and resources and should therefore be clearly distinguished.