The Catholic Church has faced an endless amount of scrutiny lately, especially regarding child abuse and child pornography charges. Earlier this month, a Catholic priest was arrested for suspicion of viewing child pornography in the rectory of his Pittsburgh church.

The 62-year-old priest had been employed at the church just a few weeks before the accusations arose. According to the complaint, a church employee walked into the rectory and allegedly saw a picture of young boy who was naked from the waist down. The woman also claims that the words, "Hottie Boys," were on the computer screen that contained the nude picture.

The woman contacted the diocesan officials, and they immediately contacted the police.

In many situations, when individuals are arrested for possession of the child pornography, they may also face charges for child abuse. Thankfully, that is not the case in this situation.

When Allegheny County police searched the priest's computer, they found several images of young boys in pornographic poses. During an interview, the priest allegedly admitted that he had at 100 pornographic pictures of children.

The Pittsburgh diocese released a statement saying the priest was placed on administrative leave. The diocese wrote, "The viewing of pornographic images involving children is a disturbing and criminal act. The Diocese of Pittsburgh is cooperating to the fullest extent in the investigation of this incident."

The man has been a priest for 35 years, and he has spent much of that time at churches in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania. The diocese provided the priest with the names of several experienced criminal defense attorneys, though it is unclear who will be helping the priest protect his rights throughout the case.

Source: Reuters, "Pennsylvania priest arrested, accused of possessing child porn," Ben Schmitt, Dec. 11, 2011