A retired British priest died after a drug-fueled sex romp with a Belgian colleague while on a trip to be near Pope Francis, according to authorities.
The dead priest — identified by the Daily Mail as Father Andrew Wagstaff, 69 — had spent last Thursday night with the unidentified 60-year-old Belgian priest at his rectory for St. Joseph’s Church near Antwerp, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
“It appears that the two men had used ecstasy and poppers together and had had sex,” local prosecutors said, according to the wire service.
Poppers refer to amyl nitrite, which can be inhaled for a brief rush of euphoria and dizziness.
The retired UK priest became unwell and his lover — only identified as “Pastor B” — called emergency services just after midnight, but the retired clergyman could not be resuscitated, the report said.
“Two ecstasy pills were also found,” prosecutors said.
Paster B was questioned by the presiding judge and arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking resulting in death, the report said.
Wagstaff had traces of narcotics and ecstasy in his body, according to the Mail.
However, the official cause of death is still undetermined, the reports said.
The priest had served in Antwerp before retiring in April last year, moving back to West Yorkshire in his native UK, the Mail said.
He had gone back to Belgium last week to coincide with Pope Francis’ four-day visit, the outlet said.
Wagstaff was a member of the Anglican communion, which – unlike the Catholic Church – does not require celibacy from its clergy.
The Church of England Diocese in Europe told the Daily Mail that it was aware of Wagstaff’s sudden death, but did not comment on the investigation.
“Our prayers are with his friends, family and members of his former congregation,” the statement read.
A US-based organist, Jimmy Culp, remembered Wagstaff in a Facebook post.
“I learned late last night of the death of my friend Fr Andrew Wagstaff in England. I solicit your prayers for the Repose of his Soul,” he wrote.
The Church of England Diocese in Europe did not immediately return The Post’s request for an update on the situation.
