Pope Francis hits out at Vatican's 'spiritual Alzheimer's' in controversial speech
Francis launches a searing attack on greed and egoism in a speech likely to outrage adversaries
Pope Francis lambasted the Vatican's bureaucracy yesterday, saying some within the Church lusted for power and suffered from "spiritual Alzheimer's" in comments likely to outrage his adversaries.
The Argentine used a Christmas speech to cardinals, bishops and priests to list a catalogue of ailments plaguing the the very top of the Church.
He said the Vatican was riven with "existential schizophrenia", "social exhibitionism", "spiritual Alzheimer's" and a lust for power, all of which made for an "orchestra that plays out of tune".
The outspoken pope also warned against greed, egoism and people who think they are "immortal".
It is not the first time the 78-year-old has taken on the scandal-hit, intrigue-filled Curia, and called for them to renounce gossip and act responsibly.
But rarely has he used such vivid terms to describe the sins he says afflict the heart of the Italian-dominated body, and the speech was very stonily received.
