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One of Pope Benedict XVI's elite ushers — already in jail over a corruption probe — has been dismissed for an alleged gay-prostitution ring, according to new reports from Italy. An elite Vatican singer also was over the sex scandal.

Angelo Balducci is a "Gentlemen of His Holiness" (Papal Gentlemen), who serve the pope on special occasions, such as when heads of state visit the Vatican. Balducci helped carry the coffin of Pope John Paul II. He is also a board member of Italy's public works department and a Vatican construction consultant.

Balducci was among four people arrested on corruption charges last month. The prostitution allegations emerged later and became public yesterday when the Italian newspaper La Repubblica published excerpts of police wiretaps of Balducci's phone.

Ghinedu Ehiem of Nigeria, who sang with the Giulia Choir of St. Peter's Basilica for 19 years, was dismissed Wednesday after his name appeared in transcripts. Police accuse him of procuring male prostitutes for Balducci as part of "an organized network," but he has not been charged with any crime, Reuters says.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/03/papal-aide-vatican-singer-fired-over-alleged-gay-prostitute-ring-/1