A priest who shared a photo of a nude woman in a parish chat group has been suspended by the diocese of Padova, Italian media report.

The photo was shared in a Whatsapp group for parents of children attending Holy Communion and Confirmation classes.

The 73-year-old priest is claiming that his phone was hacked but, until the matter is cleared, the diocese has suspended him from his duties.

The chat group had been created by the priest to keep the parents informed about parish activities related to their children.