Scandal-hit Berlusconi in service on sin

Italian leader Silvio Berlusconi is planning to attend a religious service on the remission of sins alongside a top Vatican official.

Mr Berlusconi, who has been embroiled in a sex scandal for months, and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican secretary of state, were today travelling to the earthquake-stricken city of L’Aquila for the annual “Perdonanza” or Pardon observance, instituted by the 13th century Pope Celestine V.

Accompanying Mr Berlusconi is his equal opportunities minister, Mara Carfagna, a former model and TV starlet to whom the premier once professed: “If I weren’t married I’d marry you.”

Mr Berlusconi has denied any improper relationships with women. But he has admitted he’s “no saint” and has reportedly promised to turn over a new leaf in his life.