A group of Franciscan monks furious at the theft of valuable bibles from 15th century Florentine church have taken the unusual step of praying for the thieves to be struck down by diarrhoea.
Monks at San Salvatore al Monte - which was a favourite of Michelangelo - were angered when a rare and expensive bible disappeared from the lectern, followed by the disappearance of the replacement bible donated by a worshipper which went missing within a few hours.
The monks pinned up a note in full view of worshippers, saying they hope the thief sees the error of his ways - but if not, they "pray to God that the thief is struck by a strong bout of the shits", reported the Guardian
They hope this will prevent him from carrying out further thefts.
But the monks say the note and its unorthodox request will be forgiven.
