In the photo: a priest replaces Joseph in a same-sex nativity scene

Baby Jesus and his two mothers in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul Photo: CIRO DE LUCA/REUTERS

Church nativity scene image of two mothers of the Baby Jesus in place of the traditional Mary and Joseph has sparked outrage in Italy.

Nativity scenes are popular in the predominantly Catholic country, but they have become increasingly mired in culture wars in recent years as its society becomes more secular and multicultural.

The priest of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Capocastello di Mercogliano, a village in the province of Avellino, about an hour's drive east of Naples, defended the depiction of the birth of Jesus.

“I wanted to show with this scene that families are no longer traditional,” said Father Vitaliano Della Sala.

“In our parishes we see more and more children from new types of families that exist and are part of our society: children of separated and divorced people, same-sex couples, single people, young mothers.”

Vitaliano Della Sala, parish priest, poses for a photograph in front of the nativity scene. Photo: CIRO DE LUCA/REUTERS

Father Della Sala, known in Italy for his sympathy for LGBT and leftist movements, says his position is in line with that of Pope Francis, who this week allowed priests to bless same-sex couples in a landmark ruling.

However, Senator Maurizio Gasparri of the ruling Forza Italia party said the LGBT crèche «is an insult to all those who have always respected and been devoted to the Holy Family.»

Pro-Vita & The group Famiglia (For Life and Family) called it «dangerous as well as shameful and blasphemous.»

Petition

Pro-Vita, which launched an online petition calling on Bishop Avellino to intervene, the group said the nativity scene was contrary to Church teaching on the family and legalized same-sex parenting and surrogacy.

More than 21,000 people have signed the petition so far.

Having children through surrogacy is illegal in Italy, and parliament is debating the government's proposed law , which would also criminalize couples who resort to the practice when traveling abroad.

This week, Georgia Prime Minister Meloni, a senator from Georgia's Brothers of Italy party, proposed another bill. this will prevent school principals from stopping Catholic-themed activities such as nativity plays or nativity scenes.