[MichaelCorleone]

Ahh! I had no idea. Are you certain of what you’re saying? Several Popes knowingly allowed this?

If the Italian newspapers were wise to this, why did the American press not pick up on it?

On the other hand, I can think of a good reason why not. Wow.

Houston, we have a problem.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Are you certain of what you’re saying? Several Popes knowingly allowed this?

The "gay mafia" in the Vatican has been written about before Francis.

If the Italian newspapers were wise to this, why did the American press not pick up on it?

Oh, recently (this past summer) a party was reported worldwide.

Vatican police 'break up drug-fuelled gay orgy at home of secretary of one of Pope Francis's key advisers' Raid at flat belonging to the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Occupant of flat was allegedly secretary to Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio Coccopalmerio heads Pontifical Council for Legislative texts and is a key adviser to the Pope

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Additionally, read this carefully...

"The flat belonged to the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 
which is in charge of tackling clerical sexual abuse." 

Says it all.

The people in charge of tackling clerical sexual abuse were caught having a gay orgy.