Catholic sex abuse scandal could trigger donations slump, Vatican warns

Dip in Italian taxpayers donating share of income to the church likely as row over paedophile priests takes toll on believers

Vatican officials fear the clerical sex abuse scandal could have a devastating effect on the finances of the Italian church, undermining what until now has been a bastion of the faith.

Italian taxpayers have until the end of July to declare their income for 2009 and, under a system in force in several European countries, they can opt for a proportion of their taxes to be paid to the church.