The Vatican document is based on "several misconceptions regarding homosexuality," the statement says.

Traditionally, official Vatican documents were also bound in red cloth tape.

Indeed, the bulk of his argument was built around two Vatican documents dealing with homosexuality.

The names of those who draft Vatican documents are rarely disclosed.

Last year the donations totaled $32 million and covered more than half the 1986 deficit, estimated at $56 million in Vatican documents.

The Vatican document is a rigorous version of this view.

According to Vatican documents, a change is occurring worldwide in the numbers of men who are joining the priesthood.

Under church teaching, violation of such a Vatican document would be a sin.

"I welcome the Vatican document for clarifying these medical-moral issues," he said.