[imagesource:gencraft/ai]

Belgian authorities announced on Saturday that a British clergyman tragically passed away following a night of sex and drugs with a Belgian priest, who has since been arrested on drug-related charges.

As shocking details of the night’s events unfold, we’re given a scandalous picture of indulgence in a religious house that ended in tragedy. The Belgian priest is now facing serious legal consequences, adding to the gravity of the already sensational story.

The unnamed 69-year-old Belgian priest was allegedly spending time with a 60-year-old British colleague at a clergy house in Kalmthout north of Antwerp on Thursday when the latter priest became ill. The Belgian priest called authorities after attempts to revive his British pal were unsuccessful, per VICE.

“It appears that the two men had used ecstasy and poppers together and had had sex,” the prosecutor’s office told CBS News. “Two ecstasy pills were also found.”

The investigation is still ongoing, with an autopsy yet to reveal any definitive information about the exact cause of death, authorities said.

The priest has already been questioned by the investigating judge and subsequently placed under arrest, as officials work to piece together the details of the debaucherous event. He is facing charges of drug trafficking resulting in death.

Pope Francis happened to be in Belgium amid the incident.

The British religious leader had been in town to meet with survivors of sexual abuse by church officials, an issue that has plagued the country for the past 25 years, according to the Associated Press. The abuse, along with the subsequent cover-up, has slowly come to light over the decades, casting a long shadow over the church’s reputation.

[source:vice]