Pope Benedict announced his intention to retire due to old age and health concerns over a week ago, but a report is saying he is quitting for other reasons.

A report carried by an Italian newspaper is alleging that the Pontiff is planning on resigning due to the discovery of a network of homosexual clergy in the Vatican and a string of blackmail.

The report depicts the Vatican as being torn by rivaling factions of clergy and laypeople.
A spokesman for the Pope would neither confirm nor deny the allegations.