Two Catholic Nuns Reportedly Pregnant After Missionary Work in Africa, Church Opens Investigation

The Catholic Church has reportedly launched an investigation after two nuns serving in separate religious orders in Sicily, Italy, were discovered to be pregnant following missionary trips to Africa.

According to Italian news outlet ANSA, the two African nuns had travelled to the continent as part of their charitable missions before their pregnancies were discovered.

One of the nuns, reportedly aged 34, allegedly discovered she was pregnant after visiting a hospital with complaints of stomach pain. She was subsequently transferred to another religious order in Palermo to prepare for the birth of her child.

The second nun, a mother superior who had been caring for elderly people at an institute in Ragusa, reportedly returned to her home country of Madagascar after discovering that she was about one month pregnant.

A church official, speaking to the UK Sun, said an investigation had been opened into the circumstances surrounding the pregnancies and possible breaches of the religious vows of chastity.

“There is consternation at this news,” the official was quoted as saying.

The source added that the welfare of the children remained a priority, while suggesting that the two women could leave religious service following the investigation.

The development comes amid previous discussions about the welfare of nuns within the Catholic Church. In January, Pope Francis acknowledged that some nuns had experienced sexual abuse by members of the clergy and called for an end to such abuse.