French diplomat Laurent Stefanini and the Holy See

A former rail driver, who is now dead, was overheard saying that "everything comes down to two things, money and sex".

True or false? Whichever, there is always a ring of reality to the comment.

In the last days, the media has been carrying a story about the Holy See's delay in accpeting the nomination of the new French ambassador, Laurent Stefanini.

There has been no comment from the Holy See, so what the papers are saying is speculation. But Laurent Stefanini is gay and in the past he has publicly supported same-sex marriage.

If François Hollande's appointee to the Holy See was 'quiet' about his orientation would there have been a delay in his taking up the post? Would it have been a news story?

He has already worked as a diplomat for his country at the Holy See. That was before France introduced same-sex marriage in 2013.

In the eyes of the Catholic Church is it okay to be gay once the person remains 'closet' about their orientation?

And that inevitably leads one on to ask about priesthood and what's happening in that institution?

Maybe the issue has nothing at all to do with sexuality but rather everything to do with honesty and oppeness?

Whatever it is, it is complex. Expecting it to 'go away' isn't working and can't work.