Vatican warns Paraguay candidate

The Vatican has made public its displeasure at the decision of a retired bishop to run in Paraguay's 2008 presidential elections.

Papal officials released the text of a letter handed last week to Fernando Lugo warning him of possible sanctions.

Mr Lugo said on Monday he hoped to lead an alliance against President Nicanor Duarte and had left the priesthood.

The Pope "can either accept my decision or punish me. But I am in politics already," the 55-year-old said.