A priest has blamed a deadly earthquake in Italy on the passage of civil unions for gay couples.

In an interview with Radio Maria, Father Giovanni Cavalcoli said the 6.6-magnitude tremors were “divine punishment” for same-sex unions, which were legalized in May.

Cavalcoli called such partnerships an “offense to the family and the dignity of marriage."

The Vatican has criticized Cavalcoli, with Archbishop Angelo Becciu said his remarks were “offensive to believers and disgraceful for non-believers."

Asking for forgiveness from victims, Becciu added that the idea of a vengeful God was “a pagan vision” dating from “the pre-Christian era."

But Cavalcoli has stood firm, telling the Vatican to “read their catechism."

Pope Francis has visited Amatrice, which has been hit by earthquakes in August and October that killed hundreds and left thousands more without homes.