==Sexual past== 
 A "scandalous" sexual past would have the same affect on a candidate for this position as it would in any other important position in the First World. A sentence reads "Reports were then published that Ricca was in the past involved in consensual homosexual acts." This is no different (to the Church) than saying that Ricca was involved in "consensual heterosexual acts." In the latter, the Vatican would probably prefer that these were within a marriage, but would not necessarily eliminate a candidate. Nor would "homosexual acts."  

 The "problem", if any, with either, is a lengthy history of promiscuity, unrepentant sexual behavior which goes against Catholic teaching. Not sure that the accusation indicates that. Mere homosexual contact in the past would not preclude anyone from anything as far as I know. The report of this accusation should indicate that.